Aston Villa take on LOSC Lille on Thursday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final.
Unai Emery’s side cruised past Ajax in their previous European clash, with a 4-0 win at Villa Park securing safe passage into the last eight.
Thursday’s fixture is a welcome distraction for Villa as they look to find form ahead of a busy end of the season.
Performances in thePremier League haven’t been up to scratch of late. The loss to Tottenham, draw to West Ham United, and 3-3 thriller with Brentford have severely dented Villa’s top-four hopes.
Failing to hold onto a 2-0 lead against the Bees could prove highly damaging. Recent results could see more importance placed on the Conference League, and one player will be hoping to end his mini goal drought.
Leon Bailey primed to wreak havoc for ageing Lille defender
Leon Bailey has been arguably Villa’s standout performer this season. Still, the Jamaican is enduring a small goal drought, having failed to find the back of the net since Villa’s triumph over Ajax in the middle of March.
After being rotated in recent weeks, the Jamaican could be primed to make a “scintillating” impact on Thursday – and he could have joy down Lille’s left flank.
The Ligue 1 side have 34-year-old defender Ismaily operating at left-back, and Bailey’s pace could cause him issues. The Brazilian has started 22 matches this season, registering one assist.
It feels like an excellent chance for the Jamaican to test Ismaily’s ageing legs, particularly with clever movements behind the full-back.
What’s the latest injury situation ahead of Aston Villa v Lille tomorrow?
Elsewhere in the build-up to the fixture, Aston Villa appear to have emerged well from the Brentford draw, with Ollie Watkins looking back to full fitness.
The return of a former Premier League wonderkid could also boost Lille.
Angel Gomes moved to France after leaving Manchester United last summer and has hit the ground running for the Ligue 1 side. The 23-year-old has six assists from midfield and isreportedly set to return against Villa after making a rapid recovery from a hamstring injury.
Another player to watch is Canadian Jonathan David. The 24-year-old has 16 goals and will pose Villa a severe threat on Thursday evening.
The post 'Scintillating' Aston Villa gem primed to wreak havoc v 34-year-old Lille veteran tomorrow - opinion appeared first on Aston Villa News.