Aston Villa vs Olympiacos: Villans host Greek giants in Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg – team news
The Villains currently sit fourth in the Premier League and look set to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Unai Emery‘s men have surprised everyone with their performances and winning a European trophy for the first time since 1981 would be the cherry on top.
Emery has an excellent record in Europe, winning the Europa League a record-setting four times.
But before they think about the final, they will have to overcome Olympiacos, who also sit in fourth place in their respective league.
A regular in European competition, the Greek giants have been responsible for many cup upsets – including knocking out Arsenal in February 2020.
However, Villa are unbeaten in their last six home games and will be looking to continue that record on Thursday night.
When is Aston Villa vs Olympiacos?
- Aston Villa against Olympiacos will take place on Thursday, May 2.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.
- Villa Park is the chosen venue for this thrilling match with a capacity of 42,640.
- Both sides finished their quarter final games with a penalty shootout.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Aston Villa vs Olympiacos will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm BST – 60 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can stream the entire action through the discovery+ app/website.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
What is the team news?
Unai Emery will be without the hero who took his side to the semi-finals.
Emiliano Martinez was booked twice in the previous game but was not dismissed from the pitch because the second yellow card came during the penalty shootout.
Despite the World Cup winner staying on the pitch, he will be suspended for the semi-final first leg after he tallied up three yellow cards in the competition before the last-4 stage.
Alex Moreno (calf) and Jacob Ramsey (foot) are both unlikely to feature, along with Boubacar Kamara (knee), Emiliano Buendia (cruciate ligament), and Tyrone Mings (cruciate ligament) suffering longer-term injuries.
Olympiacos centre-back David Carmo could be a doubt after not appearing on the weekend along with former Manchester City striker Stefan Jovetic.
Georgios Masouras, who has contributed to 15 goals this season, will also be absent through suspension.
What are the odds?
Match result
- Aston Villa – 2/5
- Draw – 17/5
- Olympiacos – 19/4
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.