We will have to imitate Paris this Thursday. In very good form in the championship, Lille must now react in the European Cup, this Thursday (6:45 p.m., RMC Découverte and Sport 1), after its disappointment in Birmingham during the first round of this quarter-final of the Europa Conference League which Opposes Aston Villa (2-1). Punished by John Mcginn and Ollie Watkins on two set pieces, the Mastiffs managed to maintain the hope of reversing the trend this Thursday thanks to a header from Bafodé Diakité at the end of the match.
Faced with a great Emiliano Martinez, who will discover France and expects to be whistled after his performance and his escapades during the World Cup, Paulo Fonseca’s players did not know how to be as realistic as the Villans and leave therefore with a goal behind in this return match. Facing them, Aston Villa is the favorite, in this double confrontation, but also in the race for final victory. Solid and surprising fourth in the Premier League, Unai Emery’s men have just slowed down Arsenal in their final sprint towards the title by winning 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. And it must be said that the former PSG coach is absolutely no stranger to the success of his team and its historic season.
The four-time winner of the Europa League with Sevilla and Villarreal will also be able to benefit from his experience acquired in France to face the Northerners against whom he has never lost with the capital club (5 matches, 5 victories). The qualifying team will face either Fenerbahçe or Olympiakos in the semi-finals of the competition on May 2.
Lille without Zhegrova, but with Ounas
Having just been voted Ligue 1 Player of the Month for March ahead of Vitinha and his teammate Jonathan David, Edon Zhegrova will be greatly missed by his team against Aston Villa. Hit in the right ankle in the first leg, the Dogues’ best offensive asset was forced to withdraw from this match, but should quickly return to the competition, as indicated by his coach at a press conference.
Rafael Fernandes, Nacho Miramon, Andrej Ilic and Samuel Umtiti are also left in the infirmary. Sidelined for two weeks, Adam Ounas will make his return to the group and could replace the Kosovar striker on the front of the Lille attack.
