2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League: Group Stage – Zrinjski Mostar vs Aston Villa

Zrinjski Mostar host Aston Villa at Stadium pod Bijelim Brijegom in their concluding Group E match of 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Despite already being eliminated from contention, Zrinjski Mostar could finish third in the group with victory if AZ Alkmaar lose elsewhere.

Villa meanwhile need to just avoid defeat to top the group and secure a bye to the Round of 16 stage.

 

Team News

Zrinjski Mostar have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.

Aston Villa have no fresh injury concerns to report with Lucas Digne and Douglas Luiz’s suspensions only applying to their next domestic match.

Tyrone Mings (knee), Bertrand Traore (muscle) and Emiliano Buendia (ACL) remain ruled out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Zrinjski Mostar host Aston Villa at Stadium pod Bijelim Brijegom in a 6:45pm (5:45pm UK Time) kick-off on Thursday 14 December, live on TNT Sport 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Zrinjski Mostar lost their only previous meeting against Aston Villa 1-0 away in October 2023.
• Aston Villa are visiting Zrinjski Mostar for the first time in all UEFA competitions.
• Zrinjski Mostar have scored and conceded five goals in their two group matches at home.
• Only one of Villa’s four bookings in their two away games in the group have come before half-time – Clement Lenglet in their 4-1 win at AZ Alkmaar in October 2023.

 

Prediction

After a strong opening win in mid-September, Zrinjski Mostar has simply been outclassed defensively in a strong performance from the Bosnian club but this is now a chance to end their European adventures on a high if they can just tighten up at the back and show more end product.

Villa meanwhile are already through but with the chance to bypass the knockout play-offs as group winners, I do expect Unai Emery to field a strong team with view to continuing their moment after a resilient win over Arsenal last weekend where their tactics were simply spot on.

Zrinjski Mostar though won’t make this easy given their home form but Villa should have enough quality to pull through this battle.

Prediction: Zrinjski Mostar 1-2 Aston Villa

Result: Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Aston Villa