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.
9. LM - Youri Tielemans
Tielemans’ groin injury wasn’t serious and he’s trained this week, so there’s no reason he shouldn’t start. Morgan Rogers, meanwhile, went off with a knee injury at Brighton and isn’t expected to feature. | Getty Images
10. CAM - Moussa Diaby
Diaby scored one and assisted the other for Villa in the 4-2 defeat in the first leg. Emery will want more of that magic to help his side overturn the deficit. | Getty Images
11. ST - Ollie Watkins
Watkins has proven himself as one of Europe’s elite strikers this season. He’ll need to have his best shooting boots on if Villa are to perform the miracle in Athens. | Getty Images