In addition to being happy with how the squad has started its Champions League campaign, Unai Emery will be satisfied with the club’s efforts and capacity for comebacks in the Premier League.
However, a few recognizable faces are expected to return in the upcoming weeks, so there are still a few questions to answer, such as who starts in his best XI when everyone is fit.
After suffering a season-ending injury in February, Boubacar Kamara is back at Aston Villa training, while right-back Matty Cash is hoping to be cleared to play against Bayern Munich.
Emery made one tactical adjustment during the weekend’s comeback victory over Wolves: he moved Ezri Konsa to right back and started Diego Carlos at center back.
Carlos giving the ball back to the opposition on the edge of his own box while seeing Matheus Cunha score the first goal didn’t improve the situation.
That’s a fairly dangerous habit Carlos has in his locker; last season, he made multiple mistakes that led to goals and almost did the same thing when he came off the bench in the Champions League in midweek.
Because of this, he has started the season on the bench. Against Wolves, his teammates came off the bench to save him.
Among them was Ross Barkley, who hasn’t started a game yet but has been a Villa unheralded hero. Now, Emery must make a crucial decision.
For Aston Villa, should Diego Carlos and Ross Barkley be starting?
In the long run, Emery needs to consider if he believes Carlos can start, particularly in light of the impending Champions League matches.
If he does, then it means Konsa moving to right-back when he is the best defender and most consistent player at the club.
The wisest course of action would be to start Cash or Lamare Bogarde at right-back and reserve Carlos; keep in mind that Tyrone Mings is also back in Villa training.
And there’s the Barkley puzzle. This season, he has been too excellent to be limited to only playing off the bench.
Due to Barkley’s injury, John McGinn will not start over the Scotsman.
However, that midfield will be crowded upon the return of Kamara and the Villa captain, so Barkley would be unfortunate to lose his spot.
Emery has been able to make the necessary adjustments ahead of a crucial week thanks to this fixture, which has come at the perfect time.
You have a suspicion that every important player, including Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans, will be well-rested for the Wycombe trip.
However, players like Ian Maatsen and Barkley will have well-earned opportunities to start so they can further establish their claims to be in Emery’s starting lineup.
Overall, the bench strength is fairly amazing, and this is another opportunity to further improve that quality.