Aston Villa: Unai Emery has to make John McGinn call vs Nottingham Forest after Amadou Onana update
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Wed 6 May 2026 16:30, UK Aston Villa captain John McGinn needs to be restored to the starting eleven in place of the injured Amadou Onana when they face Nottingham Forest on Thursday night.Villa are a goal down on aggregate heading into a huge Europa League semi-final second leg clash against Forest this week.Emery has been contending with several injuries to key men, with both McGinn and Onana missing Villa’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.Onana will remain sidelined for the visit of the Reds on Thursday, while the Villans’ captain has been in training and looks set to return to the fold.Villa’s next match is one of their biggest in the club’s modern history, and it is clear that McGinn has to start to give them the best chance of progression to the final. ⚽ Aston Villa Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Aston Villa fixture. VISIT THE VILLA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES John McGinn must start ahead of Lamare Bogarde after his poor showing vs SpursEmery confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Onana will not be available to face Forest after suffering a recurrence of an existing knee injury in last week’s first leg.McGinn missed their defeat to Spurs with a hamstring problem, but the Villa boss has confirmed that he is expected to make the squad on Thursday.Appearances10Goals3Assists1Successful dribbles %75%Duels won %54.5%xG while on pitch+0.99Fouls won per 901.85McGinn’s 2025-26 Europa League statsIt is an absolute no-brainer to start McGinn in midfield next to Youri Tielemans on Thursday, especially after Lamare Bogarde’s poor showing against Spurs.Tottenham’s powerful midfielders got the better of the 22-year-old with ease, and his lack of intensity did not suit the Belgian’s similar style of play.McGinn has spoken of Emery thinking that he is a better player at Villa Park in an interview with Sky Sports this week, and that is shown by six of his seven goals this season coming on home turf.His leadership was greatly missed against Spurs, and now that he is back in training and Onana is not available to play, Emery has to start McGinn in midfield as Villa aim for a historic victory.Onana might have played his last game for Aston VillaOnana has been key to Villa’s fortunes over the last two seasons, with his strong form and high potential alerting other teams to his potential availability this summer.Unai Emery on John McGinn: "He trained normally today and if it doesn't change, then he will be available tomorrow."#AVFC— John Townley (@johntownley11) May 6, 2026 View Tweet He has not always been a regular starter, despite some strong performances, and could now struggle to get back into the Villa team when he is fully fit again soon.Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Villa could accept an offer for Onana this summer amid interest in his services from Man United.The 24-year-old’s return date is currently unknown as he struggles to make a full return to action, and he may not play for the club again before possibly leaving before next season. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath.
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.