Preview: Lech Poznan vs. Villarreal - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are already guaranteed top spot and a place in the last 16, but they will attempt to clinch their first win under the management of Quique Setien.

Match preview

Since losing 4-3 to Villarreal in their opening group game, Lech Poznan have proven to be a tough team to beat in the Europa League.

They thrashed Austria Vienna 4-1 on matchday two in what has proved to be their only win of the group stage, with their last three Europa Conference League matches finishing all square.

Although top spot is out of reach, John van den Brom's side head into the final matchday in second place with two points separating them from Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

While a win would seal a place in the playoff round, a draw or defeat would leave them looking towards the result of Hapoel's home meeting with Austria Vienna.

If they are to claim all three points, Lech Poznan will need to improve upon a run of four games without a win in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Villarreal are guaranteed to advance straight to the last 16 after collecting 13 points from their five group games.

The Yellow Submarine may have little to play for, but Setien will be determined to guide his side to victory after failing to do so in his opening two matches as Villarreal boss.

Following Unai Emery's decision to become the new Aston Villa manager, Setien begin his tenure with a 2-2 draw against Hapoel last week.

In the first league game of Setien's reign, Villarreal fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, ensuring that the Yellow Submarine have won only one of their last five away matches in all competitions.

As they look to claim all three points on Thursday, the visitors can at least take confidence from the fact that they have won all three of their Europa Conference League away games across qualifying and the group stage.

Lech Poznan Europa Conference League form:

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L

W

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D

D

Lech Poznan form (all competitions):

Villarreal Europa Conference League form:

W

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W

D

Villarreal form (all competitions):

W

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L

Team News

The hosts are unable to call upon Bartosz Salamon, who misses out through injury, while Barry Douglas is also a doubt.

As a result of picking up his third yellow card of the group stage against Austria Vienna last week, Jesper Karlstrom will serve a one-match suspension.

After scoring four goals in the group stage - including two in the reverse fixture against Villarreal - Mikael Ishak will look to continue his fine form when he leads the line on Thursday.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of defenders Alfonso Pedraza and Juan Foyth due to injury issues.

Etienne Capoue, Giovani Lo Celso and Gerard Moreno are also sidelined, while Alex Baena is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

With a place in the last 16 secured, Setien is expected to make a number of changes to his side, with the likes of Pepe Reina, Manu Trigueros and Yeremy Pino expected to come into the starting lineup

Lech Poznan possible starting lineup:

Bednarek; Pereira, Satka, Milic, Rebocho; Sousa, Kvekveskiri, Murawski; Skoras, Szymczak, Ishak

Villarreal possible starting lineup:

Reina; Femenia, Mandi, Cuenca, Mojica; Morlanes, Parejo, Trigueros; Chukuweuze, Pino, Jackson

We say: Lech Poznan 1-2 Villarreal

Although Villarreal have already secured their place in the last 16, we think that they will maintain their unbeaten record in the Europa Conference League by edging out Lech Poznan on Thursday.

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