Verdict: Emi Buendia over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Europa League action on Thursday evening, Aston Villa will travel to the Netherlands when they meet Go Ahead Eagles.
Go Ahead Eagles
Starting with the hosts, while the Go Ahead Eagles might have made real history back in April as they got their hands on a maiden KNVB Beker crown, Melvin Boel’s men have drastically failed to find any kind of stability this time around. Last seen marking their return from October’s international break with a 2-1 loss away at PSV, the Overijssel-based outfit will be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. Despite securing a first Europa League victory earlier in the month as they clinched a 2-1 victory away at Panathinaikos, that is the only win that Thursday’s hosts have recorded from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Signing off September with an action-packed 4-2 loss against Telstar, GA Eagles have shown some worrying defensive issues. Continuing on from last season, Boel’s side have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in Overijssel since the middle of March.
Go Ahead Eagles Team News
Not featuring over the past month and still sidelined with a muscle issue, Swedish international Victor Edvardsen remains a major doubt here. However, recently returning from a knock, former Ajax youngster Juluis Dirksen should get some more minutes under his belt.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against PSV over the weekend and now notching six goals in as many appearances across all competitions, 22-year-old Milan Smit will play a leading role in the final third. Former AZ Alkmaar defender Joris Kramer will partner Gerrit Nauber at the back.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings back in August, Unai Emery’s men have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from October’s international break with a stunning comeback away at Tottenham as they eventually left north London with a 2-1 victory, the one-time Arsenal boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Heading into the fortnight interval with another 2-1 win against Premier League returners Burnley, Thursday’s guests have now won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Getting their European adventure underway with consecutive victories against Bologna and Feyenoord, Emery’s camp will be looking to make another statement here. It should also be highlighted, Emery’s men have secured back-to-back away wins for the first time since the start of April.
Aston Villa Team News
Still dealing with a calf issue and not making a single appearance since September 13th, Aston Villa will once again be without Belgium international Youri Tielemans here. However, coming off the bench and bagging the winner against Spurs on Sunday, Emi Buendia should be handed a full recall.
Likewise, although Ollie Watkins might have notched just a single Premier League strike since opening up the new campaign, the former Brentford striker could be handed the chance to lead the line. Summer recruit Marco Bizot could replace Emi Martinez between the sticks on Thursday evening.
Go Ahead Eagles vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- Aston Villa have won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Emery’s men have secured back-to-back victories away from Villa Park since the start of April.
- Aston Villa are one of seven clubs who can boast a 100% start to their Europa League adventure.
- The Go Ahead Eagles have mustered just a single win from their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Thursday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in Overijssel since the middle of March.
Conclusion
Embarking on what has become a real purple patch on either side of October’s international break, Aston Villa should be relishing a trip to Holland on Thursday evening. Winning all of their previous five consecutive appearances across all competitions, Emery’s men will be confident of testing a leaky Go Ahead Eagles defence. Getting their Europa League adventure underway with back-to-back victories, Villa will be confident of extending on their 100% start in midweek.
Verdict: Emi Buendia over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
