Preview: Zrinjski Mostar vs. Aston Villa – prediction, team news, lineups

On Thursday night, Aston Villa travels to Bosnia-Herzegovina to play Zrinjski Mostar, needing a point to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League round of 16.

While the Premier League team has already guaranteed a berth in the knockout stages, Zrinjski Mostar, who were eliminated with one game remaining, are fighting for dignity.

Villa began this season with their priority being lifting the Europa Conference League trophy, yet that has realistically changed now that they have entered the running for the Premier League title.

After victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in back-to-back games, Villa is not only only two points off the top spot, but they also have a five-point lead in the competition for a sure Champions League spot for 2024–2025.

However, after defeating Legia Warsaw 2-1 in their most recent Group E game, Unai Emery and his team will continue to give this tournament the attention that it deserves.

As a result, the West Midlands team now just needs one point to secure a position in the round of sixteen instead of the round of thirty-two should they lose and Legia Warsaw defeat AZ Alkmaar.

Villa has only lost once in 14 games in all competitions, yet they have triumphed.

They also face opponents in Zrinjski Mostar who will not be intimidated by the challenge of facing one of the form teams in Europe after Villa only won the reverse fixture courtesy of a 95th-minute winner.

Zrinjski have since lost three more European fixtures to already guarantee their elimination, but their biggest setback is a 2-0 defeat versus Legia Warsaw in Poland.

The last time they played in the Netherlands, AZ defeated them 1-0 thanks to a penalty, so interim manager Mario Ivankovic will think this is a chance to really make an impression.

In domestic competition, Zrinjski defeated Siroki Brijeg 2-0 away from home on Sunday, moving them up to second position in the rankings, seven points behind first place.

Although Zrinjski have little to play for, Ivankovic may insist on selecting his strongest lineup in a bid to build momentum.

Nemanja Bilbija has scored Zrinjski’s only European goal in four games and the captain is expected to lead the line.

In sharp contrast, Emery will almost certainly heavily rotate his team given their recent workload and trip to Brentford on Sunday.

Lucas Digne and Douglas Luiz may retain their places in the team courtesy of being suspended for the trip to the Bees, while Matty Cash and Moussa Diaby will likely be notable starters.

Leander Dendoncker should make a rare start, as should Jhon Duran, while Clement Lenglet is expected to return to the defence.

If Robin Olsen does not return to the squad after missing out at the weekend, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could remain between the sticks.

Zrinjski Mostar possible starting lineup:
Maric; Corluka, Jakovljevic, Radic, Memija; Canadjija, Zlomislic; Sabljic, Ivancic, Malekinusic; Bilbija

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; Zaniolo, Dendoncker, Luiz, Ramsey; Diaby; Duran