Aston Villa’s hopes of a top 4 finish in the Premier League slowly wither away but they can turn their attention to the Conference League, where they will be playing in their first continental quarter-final since the 97/98 season. But Lille came to Villa Park in good form and will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak and increase their chances of progression.
Aston Villa Team News
Recent domestic results have not been what Villa expected and a top 4 finish is looking more unlikely with each passing round. But in Europe, The Villains are enjoying a solid campaign. Villa Park has been turned into a fortress when European games are concerned, with Unai Emery’s men winning 6 of their last 8 home fixtures and losing just 1 in the process. Aston Villa also maintain a 100% win record at home in this year’s edition of the Conference League – they managed to snatch a victory in all group stage games at Villa Park and also smacked Ajax with 4-0 here. So good is the team’s form at home that the statistics show just 2 conceded goals during home games for this year’s campaign.
Lille OSC Team News
Lille will travel to England in good form and spirit, having won their last 2 competitive games and remaining unbeaten in their last 7 fixtures. The Mastiffs managed to top their group and subsequently eliminate Sturm Graz from the competition, but generally speaking, away games seem more troublesome for them, as they did record a loss to Slovan Bratislava in the group stage. What is more worrisome for Paulo Fonseca is Lille’s form against English opposition – 6 losses and 1 draw from the last 7 fixtures against teams from England. Despite that, The Mastiffs are unbeaten in their last 3 competitive away games and this is something that can give them confidence of getting something out of this fixture.
Head-to-Head-Games
Aston Villa and Lille’s only meeting was back in 2002, more than 20 years ago in the Intertoto Cup. Back them Lille were actually victorious in England and managed to snatch a 0-2 win. In France the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Aston Villa – Lille OSC Betting Prediction
Aston Villa are quite formidable at home, especially in the Conference League. With their chances of securing the top 4 being slim, I would not be surprised if they diverted their attention to the Conference League and won it. Lille have performed well in away games recently, but they do seem to have serious issues when facing English teams. My pick here is for Aston Villa to win this game. I think that they are the better team and will likely go all in for the Conference League to secure continental football for next season.
Betting Tip: Aston Villa To Win
Bookmaker: Sportsbet.io
Odds: 1.65
Sportsbet.io
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