Aston Villa are looking to make history as they play host to Dutch giants Ajax in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 on Thursday evening.
Following the 0-0 stalemate in Amsterdam last week and a 4-0 thrashing from Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the Villans will be desperate to put on an improved display for their supporters at Villa Park. Ajax, meanwhile, will likely gain confidence from the rout Spurs inflicted.
A place in the quarter-finals of Europe's third continental competition awaits the winner of Thursday's clash. Unai Emery, a serial winner with four Europa League titles, is keen to add to his collection. The Premier League still comes first, though, so rotation can be expected ahead of Sunday's trip to West Ham United.
With that in mind, here are the 11 players we predict to start at Villa Park this midweek, as well as brief explanations for each inclusion.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez’s main goal is to win European trophies with Villa and he’ll be mightily excited to lead his side from the back in such a huge tie.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Cash will play with Konsa suspended from the red card he received in the reverse leg.
3. CB - Diego Carlos
The Brazilian is back and raring to go. His substitute appearance at the weekend wouldn’t have been an enjoyable one but his return should offer a boost.
4. CB - Pau Torres
Pau was the best of a bad defensive bunch on Sunday. The summer signing has been vital to much of Villa’s success this campaign.