Aston Villa take on their first European quarter-final in 26 years as they play host to LOSC Lille in the UEFA Europa Conference League last eight on Thursday evening.
Under the lights at Villa Park, the Villans will be eager to get off to the perfect start with the first-leg home advantage sure to be felt. It’ll be important to assert dominance in the tie if possible, especially as Lille have only lost one home match all season – against Reims in September.
It was a tricky 3-3 draw against Brentford last time out as Unai Emery’s men blew a two-goal lead in the Premier League. That result gifted Tottenham Hotspur the chance to move ahead in the top-tier standings on goal difference, dealing a slight blow to Villa’s confidence.
The mightily competitive fight for Champions League football will have to take a back seat this Thursday, though, with a glorious opportunity to claim European silverware on the horizon in Europe’s third competition. Lille are unbeaten in their last seven matches but they often flounder away from home, giving Villa hope.
Emery rotating his lineup is likely with a vital Premier League trip to Arsenal scheduled for Sunday afternoon but the team’s structure will remain the same. With that in mind, here’s the Villa starting XI we predict will take on Lille this Thursday.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez returned to the starting XI last time out after missing the Man City defeat through a stomach bug. He’ll play every game he’s fit for. | AFP via Getty Images
2. RB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa displayed his frailties as a full-back against Brentford but doesn’t have much choice but to remain in that role with Matty Cash still out. | Getty Images
3. CB: Diego Carlos
Carlos could've done with a rest ahead of the trip to Arsenal but the "small injury" to Clement Lenglet effectively solidifies the Brazilian's place. | Getty Images
4. CB - Pau Torres
Pau struggled on Saturday as he was at fault for all three goals. That was surely an anomaly performance, however, as he’s been superb all season. | Getty Images