Aston Villa head to France on Thursday night for a second leg meeting with Lille. The tie is evenly balanced, as Villa hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg, and there's plenty at stake too, with the winner taking a place in the semi finals, which begin at the end of the month.
Lille Form GuideA big goal towards the end of the game at Villa Park will have given Lille hope coming here. Just one behind is a lot more manageable than being two behind, and it will certainly give their fans a reason to believe. I thought they played fairly well in the game, had plenty of possession but perhaps didn't use it as well as they could have. Saying that, they should be more attacking here, at home, and in a game they have to win.
Lille have had a weekend off in France, so no game in between the two legs and that's something that should also help them here, as they look to push hard, their players should have a little more left in the tank.
Aston Villa Form GuideAt 2-0, with 10 minutes to play of the first leg, Aston Villa were on course to record a perfect performance. They took their chances, defended well and although they were coming up against very good opposition, they held their own. But that late goal could be what turns the tie on its head.
Unlike Lille, Villa did play on Sunday, and recorded a huge away win. They won 2-0 at Arsenal, a timely boost and a big one, if they needed it. That was a strong away performance, defending well but also creating chances, the kind of performance they will need here in France.
Match PredictionA big game, brought to life by that late Lille goal last Thursday. There's a lot going for the French side, but I still don't think it will be enough for them to get a win here. I am going to back the draw in this game, Aston Villa to hold out, and ultimately, make it through to the semi finals.
