Preview and Predicted Line ups: Go Ahead Eagles vs Aston Villa

Matchday three of the Europa League takes place today, with Aston Villa returning to the Netherlands to take on Go Ahead Eagles. Villa currently sit in third place, having won their first two matches, whilst the Eagles lie in 15th place with one win and one draw.

The Villans are in good form, searching for their sixth consecutive win in all competitions. Despite starting the season poorly, they seem to have turned a page and are beginning to reach the levels they have shown in the last couple of seasons. Go Ahead Eagles however, have had a mixed Eredivisie campaign so far, struggling with consistency and conceding almost two goals every game.

Team News

Go Ahead Eagles:

• Søren Tengstedt, Pim Saathof and Victor Edvardsen are all sidelined for the game

Aston Villa:

• Youri Tielemans remains injured and Ross Barkley was not included in Europa League squad
• Tyrone Mings could return from an ankle injury and Ollie Watkins should be full fit

Go Ahead Eagles Overview

The Dutch side are in 12th place in the Eredivisie, on ten points after nine matches and only three points clear of the relegation zone. Last season they secured their qualification for the Europa League, having won the KNVB Cup for the first time in their history. Whilst they have consistently improved each season since their promotion in the 20/21 campaign, the Eagles are struggling this year.

Last weekend, they lost 2-1 away from home to PSV Eindhoven marking their third loss in the league. However, in their previous Europa League match, they were victorious against Panathinaikos, although the Greek side dominated the game. Milan Smit has been in good form, scoring four goals in his last four matches and Jakob Breum is also one to watch, leading the team in chances created.

Predicted Lineup: De Busser, Deijl, Nauber, Karmer, James, Meulensteen, Linthorst, Breum, Suray, Smit, Margaret

Aston Villa Overview

Villa have certainly regained some form and confidence, having won their last five matches in all competitions. Last Sunday they got a crucial win over Tottenham in what was a very gritty and clinical performance. Two superb goals from Rogers and Buendía capped off a resilient comeback after conceding in the opening minutes.

Today's game is a chance to continue their winning run and carry momentum into their next Premier League match, with some tricky fixtures coming up. Manchester City, Liverpool and high-flying Bournemouth are their next three league matches, so it's vital that Villa do not drop their performance levels.

Unai Emery may make a few changes to get some minutes into the legs of some players, with a congested schedule to follow.

Predicted Lineup: Martínez, Cash, Lindelöf, Torres, Maatsen, Bogarde, McGinn, Guessand, Elliott, Buendía, Watkins