Gabby Agbonlahor drops starting XI hint and hits back at critics who 'wrote off' Aston Villa
The former Villa star has been speculating on the team who will face Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday as well hitting back at some early-season scepticism around Unai Emery's men
Aston Villa return to Champions League duties on Tuesday (8pm) when Bologna come to Villa Park, and outspoken old boy Gabby Agbonlahor has two clear messages as the excitement builds.
Unai Emery has masterminded two wins from two in the opening stages of the competition, including another famous result against Bayern Munich, suggesting Villa are on course for the knockout stages if they record another victory this evening. Opta suggests around 15 points are needed to automatically qualify and nine to make the play-offs, so Villa's start is extremely positive.
What's more, their victories have come amid a regular Premier League schedule plus cup matches. Many thought Villa would not be able to withstand the pressure and threat of injuries a congested schedule brings, so Agbonlahor has chosen to hit back at those critics.
He told talkSPORT: "Can I just read out Aston Villa's bench on the weekend? Ian Maatsen - top left back. [Ezri] Konsa, [Emi] Buendia, [Boubacar] Kamara, [John] McGinn, [Ross] Barkley, [Jaden] Philogene, [Jhon] Duran. Tyrone Mings in the stands ready to come back.
"This is the best Villa bench I've seen in years, and that's gonna help now with games coming thick and fast. He's [the manager has] got a selection headache.
"A lot of teams have injury problems but the international breaks have really helped Aston Villa to get players like McGinn back, Konsa back, Mings and Kamara back up to speed. I like the way he's controlling the Premier League and Champions League because everyone had written Villa off in the Premier League.
"[It was said] 'They'll struggle, won't be able to do it, they'll become like Newcastle', but they've shown they can do it in both."
Villa were last in action only three days ago, proving just how tight the turnaround can be between domestic and European fixtures.
However, Agbonlahor has placed his trust in Unai Emery to field the best starting XI possible against Tuesday's Italian visitors - even if that means making no changes at all.
"He would choose the best team to go and win the game. That could be the exact same starting line-up as the weekend - he doesn't care about resting players or bringing in fresher players," Agbonlahor continued.
"But, you have to respect Bologna. Yes, they've not had the best start to the season in 12th position, only three points off the bottom three [in Serie A], but they got a great draw against Shakhtar [Donetsk] and played very well against Liverpool, unlucky to lose 2-0.
"On the weekend they drew another game as well, so you've got to respect these Champions League games. It's going to be a tough, tough night."