Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has challenged his players to rediscover their home form when they face Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Villa have yet to win at Villa Park this season, losing twice and drawing once in their opening three home matches, despite the stadium playing a crucial role in their recent European success.
Emery demands improvement in Aston Villa home form
Villa Park has been central to Aston Villa's progress under Emery, helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.
However, their home performances have declined this campaign, with the ongoing North Stand redevelopment potentially affecting the atmosphere.
Emery believes Wednesday's encounter offers an opportunity to rebuild confidence and restore the stadium's reputation.
"At Villa Park, we have not won yet, so it is very important how we can improve things to be closer to winning," Emery said.
"Villa Park is for us something very, very special. It should be like the four years that we are here -- how we achieved this as a special place, our fortress."
The Spaniard acknowledged that his team are still working to improve after an inconsistent start to the season.
Aston Villa face defensive injury problems before Fenerbahce
Villa's preparations have been complicated by another injury setback.
Left-back Matteo Ruggeri was substituted at half-time during Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Brentford and is expected to miss more than a month.
Fellow defender Ian Maatsen remains unavailable, although Emery hopes he could return within the next one or two weeks.
George Hemmings will also miss Wednesday's fixture because of a minor injury.
There is better news regarding Leon Goretzka, who has been included in the squad and could make his Aston Villa debut after recovering from a knee problem.
Meanwhile, Brian Madjo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis are ineligible because they were omitted from Villa's Champions League squad.
Emery must now find a solution to his defensive absences while attempting to secure Villa's first home victory of the season.
Key Points
- Aston Villa host Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday.
- Unai Emery wants Villa Park to become a fortress again after three home matches without victory.
- The North Stand redevelopment has reduced the stadium's available capacity.
- Matteo Ruggeri is expected to miss more than a month through injury.
- Leon Goretzka could make his Aston Villa debut after returning to the squad.
What's Next?
Aston Villa will attempt to end their winless home run against Fenerbahce on Wednesday night. Emery must manage several defensive absences while looking to build confidence ahead of Villa's next Premier League fixture.
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