Aston Villa are looking to continue their excellent European form when they take on Ajax in the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 clash on Thursday.
The fixture starts an essential week in Villa’s season, with Tottenham Hotspur set to visit Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Villa are without the services of Jacob Ramsey for Thursday’s European fixture, although the midfielder could be fit for the visit of Spurs.
Emery explained the midfielder’s fitness: “He is not available for tomorrow. He doesn’t have a big injury, but we have to wait every day to see how he is progressing to be available for the next match on Sunday.
“But it’s good news it’s not again a big injury like he had before.”
Ajax also have a number of injury issues to contend with. Former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn is expected to miss out after spending time on the touchline with a hamstring injury. Defender Josip Sutalo is also out of Thursday’s clash, and Anton Gaaei and Steven Berghuis are both doubts.
Ahead of the fixture, Bertrand Traore has cast his thoughts on the visit of his former employers.
Bertrand Traore praises Aston Villa ahead of Ajax clash
Traore, currently with Villareal in Spain, has been talking ahead of the fixture between his two former sides.
“Aston Villa is a great, passionate club with incredible supporters. They have an incredible history, and now they’re back on the European stage where they belong,” he said.
These are the nights Villa fans have been longing for.
Ajax may have endured a tough season, but they are still one of Europe’s historical heavyweights.
A club the size of Villa should consistently compete on the biggest stages, and this evening’s fixture should be just the start of an exciting future under Emery.
The Spaniard knows how to get the job done in Europe and will fancy his chances of securing a Conference League title come the end of the season.
There is no safer pair of hands to steer the ship through what will be a busy couple of months.
