Europa League destiny calls: Aston Villa v Lille match preview and team news

A draw at Villa Park would take Villa into the last eight of the Europa League with a Champions League spot up for grabs

The second leg of the Europa League round of 16 is upon us and the tie is on a knife-edge as it rolls into Villa Park.

Aston Villa won the first leg 1-0 in Lille last week, putting them on the cusp of a place in the Europa League quarter-finals. But Villa look vulnerable. Unai Emery’s team have become fragile and toothless, so the first goal of the second leg could make or break their season.

Villa have been effective in the Europa League this season. All told, they’ve played nine matches and won eight of them. If their deterioration domestically is a major concern, Villa’s record in Europe is a better sign.

With a 100% record at home in Europe this season, Villa are favourites to win the tie from this point. Winning at Lille was huge and Villa came up trumps when push came to shove. Now they need to take advantage.