Aston Villa will aim to extend their fine European form when they travel to the Netherlands to face Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League on Thursday, with Unai Emery’s side looking to build on their recent domestic and continental resurgence.
After a shaky start to the campaign, Villa have rediscovered their rhythm, winning five matches in a row in all competitions.
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Their 2-1 comeback win at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend showcased both their resilience and attacking fluency, with Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia continuing to impress.
The Argentine has now scored three times in his last four outings, while Rogers’ superb equaliser in north London underlined his growing confidence.
That victory followed two commanding Europa League performances, as Villa began their group-stage campaign with back-to-back wins over Bologna and Feyenoord without conceding a goal.
Their trip to Rotterdam earlier this month saw them ride their luck at times, but goals from Buendia and captain John McGinn earned them a valuable 2-0 success at the same De Kuip ground where they famously lifted the European Cup in 1982.
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Unai Emery, a four-time Europa League winner, has turned Villa into a side capable of combining defensive discipline with incisive attacking play.
The Spaniard has praised the work rate of key forwards such as Rogers and Ollie Watkins, whose contribution off the bench at Spurs added extra spark to Villa’s frontline.
That competition for places has become a central part of Emery’s philosophy, keeping the squad sharp and adaptable as fixtures come thick and fast.
Villa’s record in Europe has been strong since their return to continental competition last season, with 11 wins in their last 15 matches in the group or league phases.
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They also boast a solid record against Dutch opponents, winning five of six meetings to date, and will travel to Deventer with history and form on their side.
Go Ahead Eagles, however, have shown they are not to be underestimated. The Eredivisie side earned their first-ever Europa League victory last time out, staging a spirited comeback to beat Panathinaikos in Athens thanks to a quickfire brace from Milan Smit.
Although they sit mid-table domestically after a 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Melvin Boel’s team will take heart from their ability to trouble bigger sides.
Villa will enter the contest as clear favourites, but Emery will be wary of complacency against a motivated opponent playing on home soil.
With qualification in sight, maintaining focus will be key as the English side continue their pursuit of European momentum.
