Aston Villa stages European group stage football at Villa Park for the first time in 14-years as they host surprise package HSK Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Villains are high on confidence after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 6-1 in the lunch-time kick-off on Saturday. Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick, whilst Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz also got in on the action.
Villa suffered a 3-2 defeat to Legia Warszaw in their opening group stage match, and so a win is needed here if they want to progress to the group stage. Unai Emery has a dilemma on his hands as he will want to give his side the best chance of progressing but there is also a Midlands Derby against Wolves to think about on Sunday.
He’s been dealt a blow with Boubacar Kamara, Jacob Ramsey, and club record signing Moussa Diaby were all ruled out. Leon Bailey could make a return to action and so there at least some changes to be made to the starting XI.
Zrinjski Mostar claimed a shock win over AZ Alkmaar, coming back from three goals down to win 4-3 at the Stadion Bijeli Brijeg so they will be no push overs. Club captain Nemanja Bilbija and Tomislav Kis are two men that the Villa defence will have to keep quiet. Bilbija has 10 goals in 16 games, meanwhile Croatian forward Kis has six goals in 15.
The most used formation this season has been a 4-2-3-1, and that is what brought us six goals against Brighton, so that shape should remain the same. Several changes are being tipped to freshen up the side, but this side should still be capable of winning.
With that in mind, flick through the pages to see the 11 players we predict Villa to start, and the nine substitutes as well as a brief explanation for each inclusion.
9. CAM: Nicolo Zaniolo
Injuries to Diaby and Ramsey leave Villa needing a CAM, how about trying Zaniolo as a playmaker? | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. LM: Leon Bailey
Bailey has a late fitness test- but if he can get through it - how about giving him 60 minutes from the off? | Getty Images Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
11. ST: Jhon Duran
Ollie Watkins was superb on Saturday - but with no disrespect to the opposition - should he be afforded a rest? This could be a good opportunity for Duran. | Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
12. Sub: Robin Olsen
Played in a few of the qualifiers and when Emi Martinez was out, but back-up on Thursday. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)