Aston Villa vs Olympiacos: Preview, predictions and lineups
Aston Villa preparing for first European semi-final since 2003
Both teams progressed into semi-finals on penalties
Olympiacos led by former Sevilla manager Jose Luis Mendilibar
Aston Villa are readying themselves for their first European semi-final in over 20 years when they welcome Olympiacos to Villa Park for the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie on Thursday.
Unai Emery has earned a lofty reputation thanks to his work in European competitions and has guided Villa into the last four of the Conference League having previously lifted the Europa League with Sevilla and helping Villarreal into the Champions League semi-finals.
The Premier League side were forced to overcome Lille on penalties in the quarter-finals after surrendering a 2-1 advantage in the return leg. Emiliano Martinez once again proved his worth from 12 yards to send Villa through.
Emery’s men are taking on an Olympiacos side in the middle of a fierce Greek Super League title race. They currently sit fourth in their domestic league but are only five points adrift of leaders AEK Athens having played a game less.
Olympiacos, led by former Sevilla Europa League-winning manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, also squeezed into the last four having won their quarter-final on penalties. The Greek side beat Fenerbahce in their shootout 3-2.
Here’s 90min’s preview to Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg at Villa Park.
