Aston Villavs.Lille

While Villa are anticipating a first European quarter-final since the 1997-98 UEFA Cup, LOSC will make their debut at this late stage of any continental competition.

Match preview

Back in Europe after a 13-year absence, Aston Villa have come a long way since losing their first group-stage fixture in September, when they were beaten 3-2 by Legia Warsaw in Poland.

Having since progressed as Group E winners, the Birmingham club are now just two rounds away from next month's final, after going seven games unbeaten in the Conference League, of which they won five.

Villa's last-16 success against Ajax came after a tense first-leg draw in Amsterdam, as they then strode to a 4-0 victory over the fallen giants on home turf and sealed a spot in their fifth UEFA quarter-final.

Including qualifiers, they have won all of their Conference League home games this season, and should they defeat Lille, the Premier League side will reach six straight European wins at Villa Park for the first time ever.

Back in 1982, Villa were crowned champions of Europe by beating Bayern Munich, while more recently, their Basque boss Unai Emery built an unrivalled reputation as king of the Europa League, lifting the trophy in three successive seasons as head coach of Sevilla, and then once again with Villarreal.

Emery has also won his last seven quarter-finals in continental competition, having only ever lost one tie at this stage, and his subsequent work in England's top flight has restored Aston Villa to their former status of top-six contenders.

However, last week's 3-3 draw with Brentford - in which the Villans led by two goals but then trailed 3-2 before Ollie Watkins equalised - was a case of more points dropped in the Premier League, where they slipped to fifth in the table after being overtaken by Tottenham Hotspur.

A crucial game against title contenders Arsenal awaits on Sunday, so whether the pursuit of a Champions League takes precedence over tackling Lille remains to be seen - Emery's team selection could indicate his thoughts in that respect.

Ligue 1 winners as recently as 2021, Lille may have made the Champions League's last 16 only two years ago, but they will be first-time UEFA quarter-finalists on Thursday.

With a progressive style of play under ex-Roma coach Paulo Fonseca, Les Dogues have impressed in the French top flight this term, with only an inability to turn draws into wins stopping them topping the 'best of the rest' rankings behind imperious leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile, in Europe, they have averaged the most ball possession (65%), most successful passes in the opposition half and most completed passes in the final third of any team in the Conference League this season.

Winners of Group A before the turn of the year, Lille pushed past Sturm Graz in the last 16, with a 4-1 aggregate victory - most of the work was done during the first leg, which they won 3-0 in Austria.

Fonseca's side are unbeaten in 10 Conference League games this season, qualifying included, and they have not conceded more than one goal in any game so far, leaking just three overall.

While they may sit fourth in Ligue 1, LOSC are only four points from second place after beating Marseille 3-1 at the weekend and they are yet to lose at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2024.

However, historically, Lille are winless in seven previous major European matches in England, losing six times and scoring just one goal, so they will have to overcome precedent to establish a first-leg lead before next week's decider.

Aston Villa Europa Conference League form:

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Aston Villa form (all competitions):

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Lille Europa Conference League form:

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D

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Lille form (all competitions):

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Team News

In addition to John McGinn's recent return from a three-match domestic ban and goalkeeper Emi Martinez recovering from injury to face Brentford, Aston Villa can call upon Nicolo Zaniolo on Thursday, after the Italy forward missed last month's win over Ajax through suspension.

However, the Villans are still without long-term absentees Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara and Emi Buendia, while Matty Cash and Jacob Ramsey are also sidelined.

Although Unai Emery is expected to rotate his squad somewhat, Douglas Luiz is set start both legs against Lille, as he is suspended for upcoming Premier League games against Arsenal and Bournemouth after collecting a 10th top-flight booking on Saturday. The Brazilian has assisted four goals in the Conference League this season, including two versus Ajax.

Up front, top scorer Ollie Watkins has been troubled by a hamstring problem of late but should still feature in the final third, with Jhon Duran standing ready as cover.

Jonathan David will spearhead the visitors' attack at Villa Park, supported by in-form winger Edon Zhegrova, who bagged a brace in the recent Derby du Nord against Lens.

Angel Gomes was thought to be at risk of missing out, but the England Under-21 midfielder has recovered earlier than expected from a hamstring injury and could play a part in Birmingham.

With Gomes still unlikely to start, Paulo Fonseca will therefore choose from Remy Cabella and Adam Ounas and Hakon Arnar Haraldsson to fill an advanced role behind David.

Once again, Andrej Ilic (foot), Tiago Morais (muscular) and experienced defender Samuel Umtiti (knee) are all absent due to injury.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Moreno; Bailey, Luiz, McGinn, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins

Lille possible starting lineup:

Chevalier; Santos, Diakite, Yoro, Ismaily; Andre, Bentaleb; Zhegrova, Cabella, Haraldsson; David

We say: Aston Villa 2-2 Lille

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