Villa fans will be starting to dream of a long-awaited return to European glory after their 4-0 thrashing of Dutch giants Ajax at Villa Park.
Following Friday’s draw, Villa’s path to Athens is clear, starting with Lille. So, let’s take a look at the latest Aston Villa Europa Conference odds.
Lille dispatched a spirited Sturm Graz side 4-1 on aggregate, and are currently fourth in Ligue 1.
Should Villa knock Lille out, they will face Olympiacos or Fenerbahce in the semi-final. The Villains would consider themselves favourites against either team, in large part thanks to manager Unai Emery's impeccable Europa pedigree.
In the final, it will be one of Viktoria Plzen, Fiorentina, Club Brugge or PAOK Thessaloniki, who make up the other side of the Europa Conference League draw.
Fiorentina are the most likely finalist, currently priced at 4/6 to make it to Athens. I Viola will be desperate to make amends for their defeat to West Ham in the Europa Conference League final last season.
Aston Villa Europa Conference odds – Current outrights
- Aston Villa – 9/5
- Fiorentina – 7/2
- Lille – 11/2
- Fenerbahce – 6/1
- Club Brugge – 13/1
- PAOK Thessaloniki 22/1
- Olympiacos 25/1
Always remember to take a look at our free betting tips ahead of any midweek European blockbusters.
* Indicates that odds are predicted.
Aston Villa vs Lille – Key Duels
Pau Torres vs Jonathan David
Unai Emery was quick to bring in his former Villareal stalwart, Pau Torres, last summer. The 27-year-old centre-back has been absolutely key to Villa’s successes this season.
Spain international Torres is essential to organising and executing Villa’s superb offside trap that allows them to push up the pitch. His cultured left foot is also a big part of the Villains’ ability to bait the press and play through teams. He's even chipped in with a few key goals, such as his header away to Spurs.
He will go up against Jonathan David, who has already netted 20 goals this season, after 26 last season. The Canada striker is an expert finisher, ingenious in finding space, and priced at 2/1 to score. After averaging over a goal every other game across his Lille career, David is likely ready for a big move.
With top sides always on the lookout for a top-level striker, this is a big opportunity to put himself in the shop window.
If Torres and co’s offside trap is just a few inches out, the 24-year-old will pounce.
Youri Tielemans vs Angel Gomes
Youri Tielemans had a slow start to his Villa career. The Belgium international started just five of the Villains’ opening 17 matches of the season, and there were reports of a rift between the player and Unai Emery.
But in 2024 he has started all but three Villa games. Clearly he now has Emery’s trust, particularly in an advanced role. Tielemans' range of passing, intelligence and tenacity have proven to be attributes his manager appreciates.
He will be facing up against former Manchester United wonderkid Angel Gomes, who has found success after limited opportunities at Old Trafford. Via a spell in Portgual, Gomes has become not only Lille’s chief creator high up the pitch, but is key to them progressing the ball from deep. Tielemans may have to curb a few of his attacking instincts to deal with the 23-year-old. Gomes is rated at 7/3 to score or assist.
Ollie Watkins vs Leny Yoro
Last but not least, Ollie Watkins has been one of the best attackers in world football this season.
Unai Emery often finds ways to get the best of his strikers. Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both had their most productive Premier League seasons under his tutelage, as did Gerard Moreno at Villareal.
Watkins has reached new levels under Emery too, and has scored 19 and set up another ten already this season. He is priced at 3/2 to score the first goal.
The 28-year-old, now an England regular, will be playing against one of Europe’s hottest young centre-back talents in Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old has admirers at Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and beyond.
They will all be watching Yoro in this tie, to see how the teenager deals with the electric Ollie Watkins.
