Aston Villa caretaker Kevin MacDonald says he isn’t sure what team he will put out for Thursday’s Europa League game with Rapid Vienna (13/2 – 90 minutes) but insists whoever takes to the field the overall goal will be qualification for the group stages.
The Midlands club welcome their Austrian opponents to Villa Park with the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg.
Last week MacDonald fielded a side which was a mix of youth and fringe players as he looked to rest some of his big names ahead of last Sunday’s match with Newcastle.
The likes of Barry Bannan, Eric Lichaj, Jonathan Hogg and Marc Albrighton all made rare European appearances for Villa, with the likes of Curtis Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker making up the rest of the team.
MacDonald’s side did well that night and he could be tempted into sticking with a similar side for the return leg at Villa Park after being let down so badly by his first choice 11 at the weekend.
Villa were outclassed for the majority of Sunday’s game at Newcastle, eventually losing 6-0 as the Toon took full advantage of a back four who looked to be in disarray.
MacDonald can call on James Collins and Carlos Cuellar for Thursday’s game after both players were declared fit and may do so with Richard Dunne, Luke Young and Stephen Warnock all unavailable.
The defensive duo could be joined by Gabriel Agbonlahor in the starting XI for the game after he was declared fit following his goal scoring return to action in a behind closed doors game against Burton Albion earlier this week.
MacDonald admits he isn’t sure whether to keep faith with the youngsters who served him so well last week or whether he should recall some of his big guns as he looks to avoid a repeat of last year’s exit at the hands of Rapid.
“I’ve thought about throwing more of the youngsters in,” he said.
“They performed very well in a very hostile atmosphere (in Vienna).
“I’ve also thought about playing a few more of the senior players. But whatever team I put out, the big point for us is that we actually qualify and get through the tie.
“Whether it’s youngsters, whether it’s seniors, that is the most important thing.”
Twelve months ago Villa (22/1 – Europa League outright) defeated Rapid Vienna (500/1) 2-1 at home but were eliminated on the away goals rule.
Rapid Vienna (10/3 to qualify) went on to win just one of their group stage matches as they crashed out at the first hurdle and they will be keen to make amends.
The Austrian side have been on a roll of late domestically, following up their victories over Stum Graz and Red Bull Salzburg with a victory over Mattersburg at the weekend.
Peter Pacult’s side might have lost star striker Nikica Jelavic to Rangers but they are still tough to beat on the road, losing just two of their last 12 matches away from home.
MacDonald will be all too aware of the threat Vienna pose and knows he needs a good win to have any chance of taking the Villa manager’s job permanently.
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