Aston Villa and Lille will lock horns in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday night.
Unai Emery's side drew first blood when claiming a hard-fought 1-0 win in France during last week's first leg.
However, Villa were unable to build upon that victory as they were swept aside 3-1 away at Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, in a game that brought up two of my recommended bets.
That was Aston Villa's third straight defeat in the top-flight, so they will be hoping that the Europa League can bring them more respite this midweek.
As for Lille, they bounced back from last week's first leg defeat by battling their way to a 2-1 win away at Rennes on Sunday.
That was Les Dogues' third win across their last four Ligue 1 matches and saw them end the weekend in 5th position in the French top-flight.
How the bookies view it: Another Villa victory
Aston Villa, who have won all four of their home matches in this season’s Europa League, come into this clash as 8/11 favourites on Betfred.
Following last week’s first leg defeat, Lille arrive at Villa Park in must-win territory. However, the bookmakers suggest an away victory is unlikely, listing Lille as big outsiders at 15/4 on bet365 – with the draw – which would also eliminate the French outfit – priced up at 3/1 by the same firm.
Head-to-head: Villa seeking a second success
Aston Villa and Lille have met four times in competitive fixtures, with Lille winning twice, Aston Villa winning once, and one match ending in a draw.
Another 1-0 victory for Aston Villa this week pays 7/1 on Betfred.
Players to watch: Ollie offers value
After scoring the only goal during last week's first leg, Ollie Watkins looks decent value either to score or to assist on Thursday night at 5/6 with bet365.
Lille will look to Olivier Giroud for inspiration on Thursday night. The veteran Frenchman is as big as 3/1 (bet365) in the anytime goalscorer market.
Predicted line-ups
Aston Villa continue to be without the injured midfield duo Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans, however, Matty Cash is edging closer to a return. Emiliano Buendia is doubtful after being forced off during the closing stages of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Lille’s already difficult task is compounded by a lengthy injury list, which includes Ethan Mbappe Lottin, Hamza Igamane, Marc-Aurele Caillard, Osame Sahraoui and Ousmane Toure.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Luiz, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Bailey; Watkins
Lille: Ozer; Santos, Ngoy, Mandi, Perraud; Bentaleb, Andre, Bouaddi; Haraldsson, Giroud, Correia
Anything else catch the eye?
Given that Lille must score at least once on Thursday night, backing both teams to hit the back of the net looks worthy of support at 10/11 on bet365.
This selection would have paid out in Aston Villa's previous two continental contests at home this season against Salzburg and Young Boys, and it would be fair to say Lille will present a sterner test.
Given that the onus will be on the visitors to attack, Lille look worth backing to earn at least four corners at 5/6 on bet365.
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