ASTON VILLA'S dreams of Europa Conference League glory are hanging by a thread and they will need to conjure up an epic comeback in Greece to floor Olympiacos in their semi-final.
I thought the bookies had disrespected the other three semi-finalists by making Unai Emery's men just evens to win the tournament before a ball had been kicked in the first legs.
And Olympiacos made a mockery of those odds by romping to a 4-2 victory at Villa Park, putting them firmly in the driving seat for a place in the showpiece.
But Aston Villa can take heart from the number of chances they created in the first leg and if they score first in Greece it could be game on again.
How the bookies view it: Greeks now favourites to march on
Having been written off before the first leg, Olympiacos are now just 2/7 (888Sport) to reach the final, with Aston Villa outsiders at 7/2 (SkyBet). But the English side are still favourites for a win on the night at evens (Bet365) with the Greeks at 13/5 (BetMGM) and the draw paying 16/5 (Betfred)
Head to head: First blood to Olympiacos
Last week's victory for Olympiacos was the first meeting of these sides and also Aston Villa's first taste of European action against a Greek side.
Players to watch: Hat-trick hero back for more
I thought Ayoub El Kaabi was overpriced for a goal at 4/1 last week and the Moroccan striker underlined his class with a brilliant hat-trick. Bet365 price him at 21/10 for another goal in the return and he's 11/8 at SkyBet to either score or assist.
Aston Villa will look to Ollie Watkins for inspiration once more and he took his goal superbly in the first leg. The England striker is 7/5 at William Hill for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Emery will be hoping inspirational keeper Emi Martinez is ready to return after injury while Morgan Rogers was crocked in Sunday's loss to Brighton. Francisco Ortega is a doubt for Olympiacos after being crocked in the first leg.
Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Richards, David Carmo, Rodinei, Retsos, Chiquinho, Fortounis, Iborra, Hezze, Podence, El Kaabi
Aston Villa; Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Carlos, Digne, Chambers, Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Bailey, Watkins.
Anything else catch the eye? More thrills on the cards
The first leg was enthralling and we should see more action in Greece with Aston Villa having to go all out for victory. Combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals pays 13/16 with VBet while William Hill are offering evens on most goals coming after the break.
While El Kaabi did the damage at Villa Park, former Wolves man Daniel Podence was the creative spark for Olympiacos. He's 8/1 at Bet365 for an assist in the return and that looks overpriced.
We could see a few cards in such a fiery atmosphere and all-action John McGinn is 14/5 (William Hill) to go into the book.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Olympiacos and Aston Villa will be played on May 9, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Olympiacos vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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