Zrinjski Mostar vs Aston Villa
UEFA Europa League Conference, KO: 17:45 Dec 14, 2023, Gradski Stadium, Mostar
ASTON VILLA probably haven't had a better week since they won the European Cup in 1982 than the past few days which has seen them defeat both Manchester City and Arsenal at home.
And they have what looks like a penalty kick to get the point they need in an historic city in Bosnia against Zrinjski Mostar to seal top place in their Europa Conference League group.
Villa are three points ahead of Legia Warsaw who surprisingly beat them in Poland.
Manager Unai Emery has been hailed as a genius for masterminding the two wins which puts Villa firmly in the title race after an astonishing club record 15 home wins in a row.
Their record away from Birmingham isn't quite as good, but as well as that defeat in Poland, they have thrashed Hibs 5-0 and AZ Alkmaar 4-1 in their away games in Europe so far this season.
Zrinjski Mostar warmed up for the tie with a win in the Bosnian League against Siroki Brijeg and currently sit in second place in their league behind leaders Borac.
But they served warning by beating AZ at home, which was their only win in the section and they only narrowly lost in England. They cannot qualify for the next stage.
How the bookies view it
Aston Villa are firm favourites here at 2/5 mostly although there is some 4/9 available at bet365.
Zrinjski Mostar can be backed at 6/1 with William Hill and the draw is 4.1 at Bet365.
Recent head to heads
Aston Villa needed an injury time goal from captain John McGinn to beat Zrinjski Mostar when the sides met in Birmingham back in September.
Players to watch
Nemanja Bilbija has already scored five goals this season across all three competitions in Europe, the Champions League against Urartu, the Europa League against Breidablik and LASK Linz and the Europa Conference League against Legia Warsaw. He is 3/1 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Moussa Diaby scored in Villa's last win in the Europa Conference League against Legia Warsaw and is 7/4 to do it again in Bosnia.
Anything else catch the eye?
It will be interesting to see what kind of team Unai Emery puts out because it would have taken a great deal of effort from Villa to shut out both Manchester City and Arsenal and they should surely be able to get the point they need with the rotated team.
Zrinjski Mostar are clearly not brilliant, but far from total mugs wither and they've only lost one of their nine games they have played across Europe this season by more than one goal. Villa also have a big game at Brentford coming up.
Go for them in the Asian handicaps with a +1.25 start at 33/40 with bet365.
Apart from a 4-3 win against AZ, most of their games have been tight, low-scoring affairs and it could be the case again here. Go for under 2.5 goals with Betfred at 11/10.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Zrinjski Mostar and Aston Villa will be played on Dec 14, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Zrinjski Mostar vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
