With Group E of the Europa Conference League being so tight, the upcoming match between AZ Alkmaar and Aston Villa is crucial for both teams.
Match Preview
AZ Alkmaar currently sits at the top of the group due to their superior goal difference, but Aston Villa has been in excellent form lately, having gone unbeaten in their last four games.
AZ Alkmaar started their Europa Conference League campaign with a thrilling 4-3 win over Zrinjski, but then suffered a setback when they let a three-goal lead slip against the same team in the reverse fixture.
However, they bounced back with a solid defensive performance against Legia Warszawa, keeping a clean sheet and securing a 1-0 win.
The Eredivisie team will be relying on the Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who has been in excellent form this season, scoring 13 goals in nine Eredivisie matches so far.
Pavlidis scored the winning goal against Legia Warszawa and also netted a hat-trick in their recent league game against Cambuur.
On the other hand, Aston Villa has been impressive in their recent games, with a 4-1 win over West Ham United in the Premier League being the highlight.
The attacking trio of Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins, and Douglas Luiz has been in fine form, and they will be looking to continue their good run against AZ Alkmaar.
Both teams have had similar starts to their Europa Conference League campaign, with a win and a loss in their first two games.
However, Aston Villa will be without Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia, who are both long-term absentees.
Possible starting lineups:
AZ Alkmaar:
Ryan;
Sugawara, Bazoer, Penetra, Wolfe;
Clasie, Mijnans, De Wit;
Dantas, Pavlidis, Van Brederode
Aston Villa:
Martinez;
Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne;
Cash, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn;
Diaby, Watkins
Prediction:
This promises to be an entertaining clash between two teams in good form. It is likely to be a close game, but we predict that Aston Villa will have enough quality to come out on top with a 2-1 win.