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.
9. LM - Morgan Rogers
Rogers, a £15m signing, scored his first goal on the weekend. He’ll likely play again, with Youri Tielemans probably rested to step in for Luiz against Arsenal. | AFP via Getty Images
10. ST - Moussa Diaby
Diaby was back on the bench at the weekend but he’s been in good form of late, with goals against Wolves and Ajax. This is a good chance to shine. | AFP via Getty Images
11. ST - Ollie Watkins
Watkins scored twice on his return after a brief hamstring injury. He might not play the full 90 with a huge game at Arsenal beckoning but a start is likely. | Getty Images