Aston Villa v Bournemouth - Match preview
John McGinn says Villa are ready to go “back into the trenches” when they host Bournemouth tomorrow.
Unai Emery’s men return to action less than 72 hours after the drama of Thursday’s Europa Conference League victory in Lille, for what will be their seventh match in 23 days since the international break.
It is another hugely important game in the race for fourth place and Champions League football with Villa, who hold a three-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham, playing twice before their rivals are in action again.
McGinn believes his team deserves credit for the way they have coped with a hectic schedule despite a seemingly endless run of injuries. The skipper revealed Leon Bailey had played through the pain barrier on Thursday night in France and while admitting Villa’s performance was below-par, he thinks the manner in which they prevailed on penalties spoke volumes about their fighting spirit. “It says a lot about the character,” he said.
“Players are playing through pain. Leon we did not expect to be in France, never mind coming on and putting in a performance like that. Several players, including myself, had off nights. But that is when you look at the squad. We have had many injuries, many games. You are in the trenches now. You look to your left and right and hope someone digs you out. The boys who came off the bench were outstanding.
