Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Preview
- Tournament – Conference League
- Date – Thursday, May 02
- Kick-off Time – 08:00 pm GMT
- Venue – Villa Park
The two European giants will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Conference League semi-final first-leg tie on Thursday, May 02. This season, both clubs are trending in opposite directions and Aston Villa has a great chance to win this tie against a vulnerable Olympiacos who have struggled domestically but have progressed well in the European stages.
The highly-anticipated fixture will be played at Villa Park, with Aston Villa hosting their first European semi-final in 42 years. Unai Emery has been crucial in their success this season and looks comfortable to finish with a Champions League spot for the next campaign.
Olympiacos, on the other hand, has endured an inconsistent season and have struggled to assert their dominance over the past few campaigns. They currently see themselves in a four-way title race and are unbeaten in their last three games. This tie would be extremely close fought, especially with the presence of Unai Emery whose experience in the European stage would be one of the deciding factors.
Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Team News
Several first-team players are currently sidelined with their respective problems. The likes of Boubacar Kamara (knee), Emiliano Buendia (knee), Tyrone Mings (knee), Jacob Ramsey (foot), Alex Moreno (calf) and Nicolo Zaniolo (unspecified) will remain out for this crucial home tie. Youri Tielemans is also a major doubt with the groin injury he sustained over the weekend.
As for Olympiacos, they remain without the services of Ruben Vezo, Gelson Martins and Nelson Abbey who are ineligible for this European tie against Aston Villa. Both Andreas Ndoj and Georgios Masouras are suspended, other than Olympiacos has no major injury concerns.
Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa Predicted XI:
Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Luiz, McGinn, Rogers; Duran, Watkins
Olympiacos Predicted XI:
Tzolakis; Rodinei, Restos, Carmo, Ortega; Horta, Chiquinho, Hezze; Fortounis, El Kaabi, Podence
Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Head-to-Head
Thursday’s meeting between Aston Villa and Olympiacos will be the first time both sides meet in a competitive fixture.
Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Prediction
The English giants are certainly the heavy favorites coming into this fixture. Manager Unai Emery has three Europa League titles and two runners-up medals to his name and will be hoping to add his fifth with the Villians. Aston Villa are currently on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions and on course to secure Champions League football next season. There’s a possibility Villa could end up fourth in the league table and secure a major European trophy.
Meanwhile, Greek side Olympiacos are looking to win their first major European trophy. Since the appointment of Jose Luis Mendilibar in mid-February, Olympiacos have won 12 of his 17 games across all competitions.
Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Olympiacos
Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Betting Tips and Odds
Betting Tips
- Goal Scored: 1.41
- Games over 2.5 goals: 1.71
- Both teams scored: 1.92
Odds
- Aston Villa Win: 1.42
- Draw: 4.75
- Olympiacos Win: 7.10
Aston Villa vs Olympiacos Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 02 at 8:00 PM (GMT).
- India: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv App
- USA: CBS Network
- Italy: DAZN Sky Sport
- Czech Republic: AMC Networks ČT