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.
5. LB - Lucas Digne
Digne, who started the season excellently before injury troubles, could come in for a start as Alex Moreno has been rather inconsistent of late. | Getty Images
6. RM - Leon Bailey
Bailey has been in tremendous form and he’s loved playing in Europe, with three goals and three assists in seven games. | Getty Images
7. CM - John McGinn
McGinn is the man filling the deep-lying midfield role in Boubacar Kamara’s absence. Tim Iroegbunam will be used only as a substitute, it appears. | Getty Images
8. CM - Douglas Luiz
Luiz is one of Villa’s players of the season. The Brazilian has lacked goals away from home but he’ll be critical in midfield regardless. | Getty Images