Do we have red hot UEFA Europa Conference League action to preview? Yes, yes we do. Here at The Sports Bank, we go the extra mile and do Conference League previews because that’s just how dedicated we are to the beautiful game. Matty Cash (thigh injury) is likely ruled out of this one, but if he does play, there is another issue.
Matty Cash, like John McGinn and Moussa Diaby, is just one booking away from being suspended for the second leg of this tie.
Lille at Aston Villa FYIs
Kickoff: Thurs. April 11, 8pm, Villa Park
Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League Quarterfinal Leg 1/2
Aston Villa Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Aston Villa Team News
Or the first leg of the semifinal, provided they advance past LOSC.
Meanwhile Douglas Luiz is suspended (10 yellow cards accumulation) domestically, but is fine to feature here, as it’s continental competition.
Finally, you have the three long-term injury absentees, who all won’t be back until after the season is over. Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings (all knee) are all at different stages of their rehabilitation, and won’t be back at it until different points in the summer.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to Ravens Wire, part of the USA Today SMG’s NFL Wire Network and the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and the Washington Times. You can follow him on Twitter.