The two clubs know each other well, having met in the 2024 Conference League quarterfinals when Villa won on penalties following a 3-3 draw over two legs. This history adds an extra layer of anticipation as they prepare to face off again in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.
Current Situation
Aston Villa will travel to face LOSC Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on March 12, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45 PM UK time. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sport 1, with streaming available on Discovery+. Both teams are entering the match with significant injury concerns, which could impact their performance.
Injury Reports
LOSC Lille will be without four players due to injuries: Ousmane Touré, Ethan Mbappé, Hamza Igmane, and Osame Sahraoui. Similarly, Aston Villa has four key players sidelined: Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, Andres Garcia, and Matty Cash. The absence of these players may alter the dynamics of the match.
Recent Form
LOSC Lille currently sits sixth in Ligue 1 and has shown a resurgence in form, winning three of their last four matches across all competitions. In contrast, Aston Villa has struggled recently, managing only one victory in their last six Premier League outings. This disparity in form could play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
Path to the Round of 16
LOSC Lille secured their place in this tie with a convincing 2-0 away victory over FK Crvena zvezda, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Aston Villa, on the other hand, finished second in their group phase, winning seven of their eight matches, which highlights their strength in the tournament thus far.
Coaching Perspectives
Bruno Genesio, the manager of LOSC Lille, expressed his respect for Unai Emery, stating, “I remember my clash with Lyon against Unai Emery’s PSG very well. He inspires a lot of respect in me; he has a lot of experience, has won 4 Europa Leagues with 2 different teams, and he always coaches big teams.” Emery, in turn, acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “Of course, it’s a massive test tomorrow. My expectation is very difficult, and my focus will be on building a strong structure and respecting our opponents.”
Looking Ahead
As the match approaches, observers are predicting a closely contested encounter, with early predictions suggesting a draw, potentially 1-1. Both teams will be eager to secure a favorable result heading into the second leg, which will take place at Villa Park. The outcome of this match could significantly influence their respective campaigns in the Europa League.
