Aston Villa have the opportunity to advance straight through to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League as they take on HSK Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday evening. Unai Emery's side have already qualified for the round of 32 following a 2-1 win over Legia Warsaw but top spot is not yet secured.
Zrinjski, who are second in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, will only be playing for pride as they have already been knocked out of the Europa Conference League. Both sides are likely to rotate somewhat of league fixtures on Sunday and Monday, too, making for an interesting encounter.
Emery offered a rare team news clue ahead of this one, indicating that Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne will both play due to their suspensions for the trip to Brentford. The head coach also hinted there could be plenty of rotation elsewhere in his XI.
With that in mind, here are the players we think will take on Zrinjski at Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez would usually be swapped out for Robin Olsen in this sort of situation, but Olsen hasn’t been in the squad for the last few fixtures.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Without a start since the last Europa Conference League outing, Cash will be eager to get involved in Bosnia.
3. CB - Diego Carlos
We think Carlos plays this one – but it’s tricky. It’s very tight between himself, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa for who needs a rest more.
4. CB - Clement Lenglet
Lenglet, who is a little down the central defensive pecking order, is often utilised in Europe. He started shakily but has improved since.