Aston Villa have a mountain to climb as they take on Olympiacos in Athens this Thursday, but it’s a hike Unai Emery and his players are confident they can accomplish.
The Villans head into the second leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final two goals down following a shock 4-2 defeat at Villa Park last week. It’s going to be a huge challenge to overcome that deficit, especially when over 2,000 miles from home, but stranger things have happened.
It was a narrow 1-0 loss away at Brighton & Hove Albion last time out as Emery’s men looked drained, both mentally and physically. It took João Pedro’s 87 minutes to claim the points for the Seagulls but it would’ve been a far worse day if it wasn’t for the immense goalkeeping of Robin Olsen.
One big selection talking point this midweek - arguably the biggest - is whether Emiliano Martinez returns between the sticks. The Argentine missed the trip to Brighton but only just, as his hamstring injury isn’t serious. He’s travelled with the squad but Villa shouldn’t threat if Martinez can’t play as Olsen more than proved his worth at the Amex.
Another area of uncertainty is at wide midfield as Morgan Rogers went off injured at Brighton, while Nicolo Zaniolo wasn’t passed fit. Emery must decide if he’s willing to take risks with any or several of his injury doubts.
Including the dilemmas mentioned and others, here’s the Villa starting lineup we predict will be named at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
Martinez, a proven winner, missed the game at Brighton following a hamstring injury but he was close to returning for that. Surely he’s locked in for this Thursday having travelled with the squad. | Getty Images

2. RB - Matty Cash
Cash might not be the best defensively but there’s no doubting his threat going forward, as displayed when he became the hero in Lille. | Getty Images

3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa will move across to centre-back if Cash does indeed start. The England international had a poor game last time out but he’s been outstanding this term. | Getty Images

4. CB - Pau Torres
With the trip to Brighton in mind, Pau was benched for the home leg. He’s bound to start this one with so much on the nine. | Getty Images