Aston Villa host Olympiacos on Thursday evening in their Europa Conference League semi-final first leg.
It feels as if the dust has only just settled on the Villans’ dramatic penalty shootout victory over Lille. Another pulsating clash is now in store as Unai Emery’s men host the Greek giants at Villa Park.
José Luis Mendilibar’s men booked their place in the last four with a narrow win over Fenerbahce. After the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate, Olympiacos progressed thanks to a 3-2 win shootout victory.
The fixtures are coming thick and fast for the Villans, and further changes could well be in the offing on Thursday evening.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Olympiacos
Aston Villa News anticipates Emery to make two alterations to his side for the Europa Conference League tie.
The first will come in goal after Emi Martinez was forced off at halftime during Villa’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Robin Olsen has deputised well when called upon and should be handed a start. Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne should make up an unchanged back four.
One further change will occur in midfield, with Youri Tielemans now ruled out. John McGinn will drop in alongside Douglas Luiz, with Moussa Diaby coming into the side in an attacking role.
Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins will make up the remainder of Villa’s starting XI.
What has Unai Emery said about Youri Tielemans and Emi Martinez?
Per The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Tielemans is set to miss the next two games after picking up a groin injury.
Emery has also shed light on Martinez’s setback in his latest chat with The Express and Star.
He said: “If Tielemans and Martinez are unavailable for one week, two weeks, three weeks we have to accept it and every situation we are passing for the season we are reacting.
“We are giving chances to other players to help us. It’s the moment for other players.”
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