The wait is nearly over for Aston Villa's highly-anticipated UEFA Europa Conference round of 16 away leg at Ajax, with kick off less than 48 hours away.
Unai Emery's side will be keen to get off to a strong start at Johan Cruyff Arena ahead of next week's home leg at Villa Park. It'll be easier said than done, however, with the Dutch giants much improved from earlier in the campaign when they were making headlines for their supposed downfall.
The 'Sons of the Gods' were down in the Eredivisie relegation zone after seven matches but 17 fixtures later and they've soared up to fifth spot. Ajax are now just four points behind AZ Alkmaar, the other Dutch side Villa faced in Europe earlier this campaign. They've also won five of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Emery is likely to play as strong of a lineup as possible for this one, even despite the upcoming Premier League six-pointer against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. With that in mind, here are the 11 players we predict will start in Amsterdam, with brief explanations for each inclusion.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez’s main goal is to win European trophies with Villa and he’ll be mightily excited to lead his side from the back in such a huge tie.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Cash will be looking over his shoulder with Ezri Konsa back in the matchday squad. For now, though, the Poland international will probably keep his place with other right-footed defenders out.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa enjoyed a winning return to the lineup at the weekend and, apart from a six-minute spell, he made Villa so much more comfortable defensively.
4. CB - Pau Torres
Pau returned to the matchday squad on Saturday but didn’t play. That benching was probably with Thursday in mind. He should start this one, with fellow summer signing Clement Lenglet benched.