Aston Villa will learn their European fate on Thursday night, as Unai Emery prepares his squad for the decisive second leg against Olympiacos, here’s our predicted XI…
Aston Villa are in Piraeus ready for their uphill battle in the Europa Conference League semi-final second leg, with a two-goal deficit to overturn against Olympiacos.
The Greek side stunned the Premier League outfit last week in Birmingham, as Jose Luis Mendilibar’s squad emerged with a 4-2 win, leaving the Villans with a significant task to overcome away from home.
Goals from Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby weren’t enough to balance the tie, as Ayoub El Kaabi and Santiago Hezze ensured Olympiacos left with an advantage.
It won’t be easy for Villa in Greece, but it won’t be impossible, with the mission clear as to what Unai Emery’s side must do to meet Fiorentina in the final.
After the horrors of the first leg, the Spaniard will have some decisions to make regarding his team selection, here’s how Villa may line up.
Aston Villa predicted lineup and team news vs Olympiacos
The primary focus of Emery’s press conference yesterday was the fitness status of Emi Martinez, who is nursing a hamstring injury after being suspended in the first leg.
Unfortunately, the Villa boss was unable to confirm if the Argentine would be ready to start on Thursday night, leaving the door open for Robin Olsen to return between the sticks.
READ MORE: Aston Villa injury latest ahead of Conference League tie vs Olympiacos
In defence, the likely option at left-back is Lucas Digne, with a central defensive pairing of Diego Carlos and Pau Torres the best route for the visitors, on the assumption that Ezri Konsa will start on the right.
Clement Lenglet started in the first leg however, the Frenchman, who was lauded as ‘crucial’ to Villa earlier in the season, struggled to deal with hattrick hero El Kaabi, who is far too clinical to be left unattended once again.
Moving to the midfield, injury has tainted Emery’s best available lineup in the engine room, with the manager failing to comment on the status of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers ahead of the game.
With their expected absences in mind, the boss could replace Rogers’ presence on the left with Alex Moreno undertaking a more advanced role, allowing Leon Bailey to remain on the right flank with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn central.
There will be some question marks as to whether Diaby is selected to start after some below-par performances of late however, the Frenchman made an impact in the first leg with a goal and an assist.
For that reason, the 24-year-old could join Watkins in attack in a bid to score two fast goals to level the tie and unnerve the hosts.
It’s poised to be a challenging night for Villa but one where the stakes are so high, making for a fascinating affair in Piraeus.
Full Aston Villa predicted XI:
Olsen; Digne, Torres, Carlos, Konsa; Moreno, Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Diaby, Watkins
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