Prediction: Aston Villa vs Lille

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Knowing the importance of picking up a first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Aston Villa will welcome host French outfit Lille.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, although Aston Villa might have opened the New Year sat in the driving seat to punch a stunning Champions League ticket, Unai Emery’s men have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability. Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 3-3 stalemate against Brentford, the one-time Arsenal boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Although Villa might have extended on their Europa Conference League adventure last month as they secured a 4-0 aggregate romp against Dutch giants Ajax, Thursday’s hosts have also shown some extended inconsistencies on home soil. Including a woeful 4-0 drumming against Tottenham prior to March’s international break, Emery’s men have won just a trio of their previous eight showdowns at Villa Park.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Aston Villa will be unable to call upon the trio of Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and French international midfielder Boubacar Kamara on Thursday night. Likewise, sustaining a hamstring issue while away with Poland during March’s fortnight break, former Nottingham Forest defender Matty Cash is not expected to feature here.

Bagging a Premier League brace against Brentford last weekend, attacking talisman Ollie Watkins will spearhead Villa’s charge here. Recently returning from a three-match domestic ban, Scotland international John McGinn will join Douglas Luiz at the heart of Emery’s midfield.

Lille

As for the visitors, picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they stormed their way to a stellar 3-1 romp at home against historic rivals Marseille, Lille are enjoying a recent flurry. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 2-1 victory against Lens, the mood in Paulo Fonseca’s camp should be at a real high. With their sights set on booking a Champions League return this season, the Mastiffs are unbeaten in all of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Punching their Europa Conference League quarter-final ticket last month as they stormed their way to a routine 4-1 aggregate romp against Strum Graz, Lille will be desperate to make a heavyweight statement here. Although the former Roma boss might be calling on his squad to find some recent defensive steel, they should be relishing a trip to England in midweek.

Team News

Not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of January, Lille will travel to the Midlands without former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. Likewise, still dealing with a thigh issue, one-time Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes remains a real doubt on Thursday night.

Finding the net against Marseille last weekend and now 23 goals across all formats, Canada international Jonathan David will spearhead Lille’s charge here. Attracting plenty of European interest ahead of the summer transfer window, 18-year-old Leny Yoro will start at the heart of Fonseca’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• Aston Villa have managed to record just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Emery’s men have also won just a trio of their last eight showdowns at Villa Park.
• Lille have not suffered a single defeat from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• England international Ollie Watkins has notched 24 goals across all competitions so far this season.
• Lille have seen all of their last five appearances finish with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Although Aston Villa might open up Thursday’s first-leg meeting tipped as a standout contender with the bookmakers, Emery’s men could face a trick Europa Conference League challenge here. Winning just a pair of their previous seven appearances and continuing to struggle with their constancy on home soil, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair in midweek. With Lille seeing all of their last five outings finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in the Midlands.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet