Heading into the second leg, Aston Villa holds a narrow one-goal lead after securing a 2-1 victory on their home turf. The match saw several momentum shifts, with Lille falling behind to an early Ollie Watkins header before rallying with a late goal from Bafode Diakite. Despite Lille's efforts, Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emi Martinez played a crucial role in securing the win with several key saves.
This setback leaves Lille facing the possibility of exiting their first quarter-final tie in a major European competition. However, as recent Ligue 1 champions and former Champions League contenders, Lille remains poised to make further strides in European football.
Currently sitting fourth in Ligue 1, Lille is within reach of securing a top-four finish and a spot in next season's Champions League. They have demonstrated their strength at home, remaining unbeaten in 15 games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. However, they have yet to overturn a first-leg deficit in a two-legged European tie.
On the other hand, Aston Villa has experienced a resurgence under the leadership of Unai Emery, who boasts an impressive record in continental competitions. Having won their last seven quarter-finals in Europe, Villa enters the match with confidence, buoyed by recent successes in both domestic and European competitions.
With the possibility of securing a spot in the Europa Conference League semi-finals within reach, both teams are expected to give their all in what promises to be another exciting encounter.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Lille enters Thursday's contest well-rested following a weekend off, ensuring they'll be in top form. Leading their attacking line will be Jonathan David, who impressed in the first leg at Villa Park.David may find support from the likes of Edon Zhegrova, who has been in fine form recently, and Angel Gomes, who made a successful return from injury in the previous match.
Manager Paulo Fonseca has a range of options in the attacking third, including Remy Cabella, Adam Ounas, and Hakon Arnar Haraldsson. However, Andrej Ilic and Tiago Morais remain sidelined due to injury.
On the other side, Aston Villa will welcome back defender Clement Lenglet, who missed the first leg due to injury, and Matty Cash, who returned to the squad last weekend after a spell on the sidelines.
However, Villa will still be without key players such as Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings, and Jacob Ramsey. Douglas Luiz is expected to return in midfield, while star striker Ollie Watkins, who has been in impressive form, will lead the line once again.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Lille possible starting lineup:Chevalier; Santos, Diakite, Yoro, Ismaily; Andre, Bentaleb; Zhegrova, Cabella, Gudmundsson; David
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
EXPERT PREDICTION
Lille 1-1 Aston Villa
Yet, Unai Emery's Aston Villa has proven their ability to handle pressure situations in the Premier League. With their attacking prowess, they have the capability to secure a spot in the Conference League semi-finals.
