It was first leg disaster for Aston Villa last week, who are now on the brink of elimination from the Europa Conference League, after being favourites ahead of the first leg to win it all. They are 4-2 down from that home game, and now travel to Greece, where they have nothing to lose, and simply have to go all out and attack from the off.
Olympiakos Form GuideTaking a draw from the first game would have been considered a good result for Olympiakos, but to take a lead from it is huge. Not only that, but they are two goals ahead, so could lose this game, and still qualify for the final. They didn't have much of the ball, but took advantage of some poor Villa defending when they did have their chances.
What we did see from Olympiakos last week was character. They shocked us all by going 2-0 up to begin the game, but were pegged back to 2-2. With the pressure on, it would have been easy for them to fold, but instead, they kept working and rather than Villa moving forward, it was them who did so, scoring another twice to end the game with a 4-2 advantage.
Aston Villa Form GuideA chance missed by Villa last week, that is what they will be thinking. But they are still in this. At their best, I think they can get a win here, and a win by two goals would take the game beyond 90 minutes, where they have experience from the last round of winning on penalties. There won't be as much pressure on them here, and I think that will work out as a positive.
An early goal will be needed, and I think if Villa can get that, they will be able to really put some pressure on Olympiakos, who will be feeling it, especially playing in front of their own fans. But that is going to be crucial here, the longer this game goes with a two goal lead for the home side, the more they will sit back and defend.
Match PredictionA big chance for Olympiakos to keep hold of what they gained in England last week, but I am going to give Aston Villa one more chance here. They are the best side left in this competition, can play without pressure and fear, attack and I think, get the win on the night. Whether that is enough to get the job done overall remains to be seen.
