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Ibrahim Mbaye among three rarely-seen Aston Villa players who should start vs Viking
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- Ibrahim Mbaye among three rarely-seen Aston Villa players who should start vs Viking
Unai Emery has the chance to make changes and rest big names as Aston Villa prepare to face Viking in the Champions League.
His side claimed an important 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday, 17 October, but the players were forced to work hard for all three points.
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It was a total team performance at St James' Park, and the squad can bring that confidence back to Villa Park for a European night under the lights.
Despite some rocky form in the Premier League, Villa currently sit third in the Champions League table, tied on points with PSG and Barcelona.
Emery must keep his team fresh, though, and Viking, despite drawing with Bayern Munich last time out, are one of the weaker teams in the competition.
Therefore, Football Insiderhas looked at three players who should not settle for a spot on the bench when the Villans welcome Viking to Villa Park.
Ibrahim Mbaye
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Ibrahim Mbaye now has two assists to his name in six games, but he only has two starts, one of which came against Fenerbahce last week.
He was simply sensational, creating four chances, registering four shots, take eight touches in the opposition box, making seven recoveries, and also winning 75 per cent of his ground duels [ FotMob ].
After Emiliano Buendia, 'outstanding' Aston Villa player should be next to land new deal Troy Deeney is blatantly wrong, Aston Villa star Zion Suzuki must be baffled Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka has now come off the bench twice since recovering from injury, and it's about time he started a game for the Villans.
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Viking are as good an opponent as any to secure his first start for his new club, especially having made five clearances, one tackle and two recoveries in his short cameo at the weekend [ FotMob ].
Brian Madjo
The one player that all supporters want to see - Brian Madjo. He featured during the friendly against Sevilla during the international break.
The young striker didn't make it off the bench against the Magpies. However, he will be chomping at the bit to start against Viking.
His goal against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup was enough to make anyone giddy. Now recovered, he should be thrown straight into the deep end.
