By James Cohen
Published: 11:26 EDT, 18 April 2024 | Updated: 12:16 EDT, 18 April 2024
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The atmosphere is building in Lille…
If you were to take a look at the home supporters in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, you’d have thought that Lille had just won the tie.
The French fans are already in the stadium and singing their hearts out, as both sets of players begin to warm-up.
There’s been a particularly frosty reception for Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who angered French fans by mocking Kylian Mbappe after the World Cup.
‘Big call to leave Leon Bailey on the bench’
Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy:
It’ll be fascinating to see Emery’s plan tonight. Big call to leave Bailey on the bench, even though Villa are protecting a lead – he’s one of two reliable matchwinners in this side.
Huge show of faith in Zaniolo who will almost certainly leave Villa in the summer when his loan spell ends
Can Watkins fire Villa to glory?
The England international has, quite simply, been sensational.
From 45 appearances this term, Watkins has found the back of the net on 26 occasions – 19 of those coming in the Premier League.
He’s found the back of the net four times in the Conference League, including a header in the first leg.
And, after his deft chip which stunned Arsenal, the Villa striker will be the number one danger man for Lille this evening.
Lille vs Aston Villa: Line-ups
Unai Emery makes two changes from their win against Arsenal, as Matty Cash and Douglas Luiz in for Diego Carlos and Morgan Rogers.
That’ll see Ezri Konsa shift back into his natural central position, as opposed to the full-back role he played at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, the hosts bring Yusuf Yazici into their attack, in their only change from their defeat from the first leg.
Lille XI: Chevalier, Tiago Santos, Diakite, Yoro, Ismaily, Andre, Bentaleb, Yazici, Haraldsson, Gudmundsson, David.
Subs: Mannone, Ngrel, Alexsandro, Gomes, Cabella, Ounas, Cavaleiro, Morais, Bouaddi, Toure, Ferrah.
Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, Luiz, Tielemans, Diaby, Zaniolo, McGinn, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Gauci, Carlos, Lenglet, Duran, Rogers, Kelser-Hayden, Bailey, Iroegbunam, Munroe, Kellyman.
A strong week for Unai Emery’s side
Since picking up a 2-1 win against their French opponents last Thursday, Villa continued their good form with a victory over Arsenal.
Unai Emery’s side struck twice late on – through Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins – to stun the title-chasing Gunners.
Their performance against Lille in the first leg will still be fresh in their minds as well.
The Premier League side dominated the majority of the game, barring a late strike from Bafodé Diakite.
So, while they may be entering an uncomfortable atmosphere at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the visitors will be full of confidence.
History awaits…
Tonight is the night for Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side are looking to make history as they head into the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final with Lille.
Villa hold a 2-1 league from their clash a week ago, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn struck to give them advantage at half-time of the tie.
The French side will have the crowd behind them tonight, who will certainly look to put unnerve the visitors.
So strap yourselves in, because this promises to be an exciting affair.
