Overview
Within a month from the 1-3 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, Aston Villa has transformed strongly, becoming a bright candidate for both a UEFA Champions League ticket and the UEFA Europa League title.
The 4-0 victory over Bologna in the second leg of the quarter-finals helped coach Unai Emery's team win a ticket to the semi-finals with a total score of 7-1, where they will face Nottingham Forest in an exciting internal Midlands match.
Although Emery is aiming for his fifth Europa League title in his career, Aston Villa still has to prioritize important matches in the Premier League. In the immediate future are the encounters with Sunderland and Fulham - matches that could decide the Champions League ticket next season.
The 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend may bring some regret, but Villa still maintains a 7-point gap with the sixth-placed team when the season is only 6 rounds away.
Although only winning 4/15 maximum points in the Premier League in the recent period, Aston Villa still maintains stable form with 4 wins and 1 draw in the last 5 matches in all competitions. At home, they are owning an impressive record when winning 32 points after 16 matches - one of the teams with the best home form in the league.
On the opposite side, Sunderland once experienced a period of decline with 4 defeats in 5 matches from the end of January to the end of February. However, coach Regis Le Bris's team has promptly improved their form by winning 10/15 maximum points recently, including notable victories against Leeds United, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Notably, Sunderland has only conceded 3 goals in this series of matches, showing the solidity of the defense. However, away goals scoring ability is still a weakness when they only have 10 goals after 16 away games in the Premier League, despite having won 7 points in the last 3 away games.
The last time Sunderland won at Villa Park was in January 2011, when Phil Bardsley scored the only goal to help the away team win 1-0.
Personnel situation
After giving 5 key players rest in the second half of the match against Bologna, Emery is unlikely to make too many changes in Aston Villa's squad.
Ross Barkley's inability to play in the UEFA Europa League helps this midfielder become a worthwhile option in midfield. Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen and Leon Bailey are replacement options in defense and on both wings.
In goal, Emiliano Martinez has recovered from a calf injury and started in the recent match. Jadon Sancho also returned after an shoulder injury, coming on as a substitute.
In attack, after reaching the milestone of 100 goals for Aston Villa but only playing 64 minutes, Ollie Watkins is likely to continue to be prioritized, while Tammy Abraham may have to sit on the bench.
On the opposite side, Regis Le Bris can keep the same squad as Sunderland after the victory over Tottenham Hotspur, even if Daniel Ballard is ready to return after a hamstring injury.
On the wing, Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi are competing for a starting spot. Rigg has appeared in victories against Newcastle and Spurs, while Talbi has scored against this opponent before missing the most recent match.
Expected lineup:
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins.
Roefs, Mukiele, O'Nien, Alderete, Mandava, Xhaka, Sadiki, Rigg, Diarra, Le Fee, Brobbey.
The match between Aston Villa and Sunderland takes place at 8:00 PM on April 19 (Vietnam time).
