Aston Villa host Ajax this evening, looking to qualify for the last eight of the UEFA Conference League.
As 0-0 draws go, the first leg was an eventful affair, with both teams seeing players sent off.
On the injury front, Jacob Ramsey has been ruled out of the Villa Park clash. “He is still not available, but hopefully not for a long time,” Unai Emery told the press on Wednesday.
“We are going to wait every day to see how he is feeling, but he will not be available tomorrow.”
Ezri Konsa will also be missing, having picked up a second yellow card during the first leg in Amsterdam. Ajax also have their injury issues ahead of the fixture.
Former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn is out, and John van’t Schip is still sweating on the fitness of forward Steven Berghuis.
The tie is finely poised, and Ally McCoist has cast his thoughts on what to expect at what promises to be an electric Villa Park.
Ally McCoist says whether Aston Villa will beat Ajax tonight
Talking live on talkSPORT Breakfast, McCoist believes Villa will bounce back after their disappointing defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
‘It’s a good game for Villa to bounce back after defeat at the weekend to Tottenham. I think they’ll be alright tonight,” he said (07:54 am).
A reaction is required to alleviate growing concerns in the West Midlands.
The Villans’ bounce-back ability has been impressive during the 2023/24 season, and that should shine through against the Dutch giants.
Emery’s attention to detail should right the wrongs from last Sunday and keep the Villans’ on course to land a piece of European silverware.
A key match-up will be Douglas Luiz’s battle with Jordan Henderson in the centre of midfield. The former Liverpool man has bundles of European experience and could play an essential part for van’t Schip’s men.
Talking ahead of the game, Henderson said: “I am looking forward to it. I am excited. This is why I want to play football in big matches.
“It will certainly be a big European game. Villa are a fantastic side; they’re an excellent team. We found that out last game, but we knew that already when you look at the season, they’re having at the moment. They also have a really experienced manager in Europe, so it will be a tough test.”
