Europa Conference League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa Conference League clash SUSPENDED as referee calls a halt moments into second-half

      by

      A EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE clash was stopped mid-match due to FLARES.Club Brugge are taking on Italian outfit Fiorentina to determine who reaches the final tonight.Club Brugge’s clash with Fiorentina was stopped tonight by the refCredit: TNT SportsFlares and pyros from the fans caused smoke to fill the Jan Breydel StadiumCredit: RexThe official was forced to stop play seconds after half timeCredit: TNT SportsMaxim De Cuyper scored the opener for Club Brugge on the nightCredit: AFPThe Serie A side took a 3-2 lead to the home of their Belgian rivals.Fiorentina twice led last week in Florence thanks to Riccardo Sottil and Andrea Belotti but twice Club Brugge pegged them back.Hans Vanaken converted a penalty before top scorer Igor Thiago got on the scoresheet.But Fiorentina grabbed a third in additional time through M’Bala Nzola to take an advantage to Brugge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut that lead was short-lived as Maxim de Cuyper fired Brugge ahead on the 20 minute mark of the second leg.The clash remained on a knife edge as it reached half time.But nerves were jangling even more seconds after the restart when the ref was forced to halt the action.Hordes of fireworks and flares had been lit by home supporters during the break.Most read in FootballThat caused a huge cloud of smoke to fill the Jan Breydel Stadium.The ref deemed the conditions unplayable just after kicking off the second half, leading to him blowing his whistle was a short break.He picked up the ball and then stopped the action as he waited for the smoke to clear.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd fortunately it only took around three minutes for that to happen and the game to resume.But there was late heartbreak in store for the hosts when Fiorentina were awarded a penalty with five minutes to go.And Lucas Beltran made no mistake in converting it to put the visitors 4-3 up on aggregrate.That was enough to secure their place in the final for the second season running, and the club’s sixth European one, as they look to right the wrongs from last season’s loss to West Ham. More

    • 150 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Olympiacos vs Aston Villa preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions

      by

      ASTON VILLA face a huge task to reach the Conference League final when heading to Greece for the second leg against Olympiacos.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the winner-takes-all encounter.Best free bets for Olympiacos vs Aston Villa
      Ladbrokes: Bet £5 on Olympiacos vs Aston Villa to get £20 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*

      William Hill: Get your £40 in free bets when you stake a tenner on Olympiacos vs Aston Villa – CLAIM HERE*

      Betfred: Free bets – Get £50 football welcome bonus when you bet on Olympiacos vs Aston Villa – CLAIM HERE*

      BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football, including Olympiacos vs Aston Villa – CLAIM HERE*
      Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners.Olympiacos vs Aston Villa previewAston Villa have it all to do after last week’s shock thumping at Villa Park.Now many would’ve predicted a 4-2 win for the visitors that night, especially after Villa levelling at 2-2 on 52 minutes.Conceding two goals in the 15 minutes after that showed huge European naivety in the squad and Douglas Luiz’s 84th minute penalty miss could be a huge, HUGE factor come the end of the tie.Olympiacos had the weekend off so have had a full seven days to prepare for this home leg and know avoiding defeat is more than enough for them to book their spot in the final.Villa were in league duty trying to secure a Champions League spot but came up short in a 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex.One win from their last five games – they need a big improvement on recent results to overturn this one.Olympiacos vs Aston Villa oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Olympiacos vs Aston Villa betting tipsTurnaround, potentially?Aston Villa go into the game knowing exactly what they need to win.And that is win.They’re not quite firing on all cylinders and certainly will struggle to keep the ball out their own net. Saying that, their last clean sheet was six games ago but that was at the Emirates.
      Our tip: Aston Villa to win & BTTS at 11/5 – CLAIM HERE
      Bail them outLeon Bailey has two goals in his last six games and his pace out wide is sure to cause problems.Had two shots in the loss last week – both blocked – and can add to that tally here.This time, we fancy him to at least work the keeper.
      Leon Bailey over 1 shot on target at 11/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
      Doug a holeDouglas Luiz’s missed penalty could be pivotal last time out.He’ll be eager to make up for it and in that midfield battle, we don’t anticipate he’ll hold back in the battling stakes.
      Douglas Luiz to be carded at 23/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
      Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10 or more we will give you 4x £10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Three years ago I was managing Welsh minnows… now I’m on the brink of Europa Conference League final glory

      by

      BELGIAN coach Nicky Hayen has gone from managing Welsh minnows Haverfordwest County to the Europa Conference League semi-finals in just TWO YEARS.Brugge head into Thursday’s second leg with Fiorentina trailing 3-2 as they look to book their spot in Athens on May 29.Nicky Hayen took over at Club Brugge in MarchCredit: GettyHe is being tipped for some of the top European jobs in the futureCredit: GettyAnd the man leading them into the match has had some journey to this point.Path to BruggeHayen, 43, took caretaker charge of the club in March following the sacking of Ronny Deila – the man who replaced Scott Parker.It was a huge task for the young coach – who was in charge of Cymru Premier side Haverfordwest County just 21 months earlier.Hayen, who spent his playing career in the lower leagues in Belgium and the Netherlands, worked for six months with the Welsh club and helped them avoid relegation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn June 2022, he then left them to become head coach of Club Brugge’s U23 side.This left him perfectly poised to assume the vacant first-team role when Deila was dismissed.Sensational run of formHe has not disappointed, going unbeaten in seven league games, winning six.Brugge now sit top of the Belgian league with just three matches left in the Championship round.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHayen also masterminded a 3-0 aggregate win over PAOK in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, while his only defeat since taking charge came in the 3-2 loss to Fiorentina in the first leg of the semis.If they get past Fiorentina, Brugge will play Olympiacos or Aston Villa in the final.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveLiverpool manager in waiting?Hayen, who has played a 3-5-2 formation elsewhere but turned to a back four in recent months, is now being tipped for some of the biggest jobs in Europe.And journalist Jan Mulder believes he will be manager of Liverpool “within two years”.That is despite Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot preparing to take over from Jurgen Klopp.Mulder said: “Nicky Hayen will be festively appointed manager of Club Brugge on the day of the Belgian championship and will put in a series of games in the Champions League next year, attracting the attention of Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Bayern and Manchester.”Nasser Al-Khelaifi of Paris Saint-Germain also joins the fight for his signature at the last minute.”Personally, I think that the great Nicky Hayen will replace Arne Slot as manager of Liverpool within two years.”Hayen spoke back in 2021 about the style of play he likes his teams to adopt.He said: “My style of play is that I like to build up from behind, I like to play combination football.”But, first of all, you need to have the players to play this style of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As I said, I’ve seen a team that when they have the confidence, they can do it, but if they don’t have the confidence they don’t, and won’t do it, because they don’t want the ball, and then this is my first priority, and this is also what I have in my character.”Mentality is the first thing, you can play nice football to win games, but if you don’t have the mentality, if you don’t fight for each other, if you don’t work for every single piece of ground, then you don’t win games.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Olympiacos vs Aston Villa: Emery’s men have it all to do as Villans look to turn Europa Conference League semi around

      by

      ASTON VILLA travel to Olympiacos on Thursday night for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.The Villans have it all to do in Greece as they find themselves 4-2 down in the tie after the opening 90 minutes in the Midlands.Aston Villa find themselves 4-2 down after the first leg against OlympiacosCredit: GETTYShould Unai Emery’s side turn the tie around in Athens, they will face either Fiorentina or Club Brugge in this year’s final.Villa are on course to finish in the top-4 in the Premier League this season meaning Villa Park could host Champions League football next campaign.But before that, the Villans are aiming to lift there first European trophy since 1982…When is Olympiacos vs Aston Villa?
      Olympiacos vs Aston Villa will take place on Thursday, May 9.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The Karaiskakis Stadium will host.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is Olympiacos vs Aston Villa on and can it be live streamed?
      Olympiacos vs Aston Villa will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
      You can live stream the match via the discovery+ app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
      Team newsThe hosts will be without Ruben Vezo, Nelson Abbey and Gelson Martins as they are all ineligible to play in the Conference League.Former Manchester City striker Stevan Jovetic remains sidelined but Andreas Ndoj and Georgios Masouras are available after serving suspensions last week.For Villa, Morgan Rogers was withdrawn against Brighton on Sunday and is a doubt for Thursday night.Most read in FootballGoalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could return between the sticks after serving a one-match ban and overcoming an injury.Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Zaniolo could also be available but Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara remain out.What are the odds?Match result
      Olympiacos – 11/5
      Draw – 13/5
      Aston Villa – 1/1
      To qualify
      Olympiacos – 2/9
      Aston Villa – 29/10
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Father of Aston Villa fan who collapsed during Olympiacos Europa League clash issues update after worrying scenes

      by

      The DAD of an Aston Villa fan who was given emergency treatment during their Europa Conference League clash with Olympiacos has reportedly thanked those involved in saving his son’s life.The supporter collapsed just before the half-time interval, prompting stadium staff to evacuate the lower section of the Holte End so he could be given medical treatment.A medical emergency took place during Aston Villa’s Europa League clash with OlympiacosCredit: GETTYA supporter was given emergency treatment after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: REUTERSThe fan’s dad has reportedly taken to X to issue a positive update on their conditionCredit: REXThe fan suffered a cardiac arrest but has thankfully survived the horror ordeal.And his dad – according to the Birmingham Mail – took to Twitter to thank fans for leaving the area in an orderly fashion to allow his son to receive life-saving treatment.He wrote on X: “Thank you for your thoughts, it was my son that collapsed.”He is in hospital but sitting up and well waiting tests.READ MORE ON ASTON VILLA”Thank you to the amazing staff and supporters and emergency services who saved his life.”The start of the second half was delayed while the supporter received treatment, which arrived in double-quick time.TNT Sports’ Becky Ives said: “Unfortunately right on the stroke of half-time the medical emergency happened.”I was down the tunnel and the emergency services moved very quickly.Most read in FootballAston Villa suffered a 4-2 defeat to Greek giants in the first leg of their semi-final tieCredit: GETTY”They moved quickly to remove fans from the lower tier of the Holte End on the left-hand side.”There have been quite a few discussions going on as to how long the game will have to be halted for as the fan is moved into the waiting ambulance.Prince William cheers for Aston Villa “Obviously we wish the fan all our good wishes and the health of the fan comes first.”Villa face an uphill task to reach the Conference League final after suffering a 4-2 defeat to the Greek giants.But manager Unai Emery is refusing to give up hope, saying: “We are frustrated and disappointed, we didn’t play well.”We didn’t have control of the game, we were playing so fast. “In a lot of moments we needed to stop them and get in the box with more passes.”They were attacking and they played the matches so open and the plan was completely different. They did well and we didn’t do like we planned.”They are favourite and they deserved to win today, we try to come back next week but they are favourite, we will play there trying to show something different.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 2-4 Olympiacos LIVE RESULT: Villans have it all to do after El Kaabi’s Europa Conference League hattrick

      by

      ASTON VILLA face an uphill battle to progress to the final of the Europa Conference League.El Kaabi’s sensational hattrick inspired Olympiacos to a 4-2 win over the Villans.And Unai Emery will be bitterly disappointed as his team have been relentless at Villa Park this season.
      RESULT: Aston Villa 2-4 Olympiacos
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
      Aston Villa XI: Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; Bailey, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins
      Olympiacos XI: Tzolakis, Ortega, Chiquinho, Fortounis, Iborra, El Kaabi, David Carmo, Rodinei, Hezze, Restos, Podence
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from Villa Park with our live blog below…Olympi-c heroes
      Well nobody saw that coming.
      All credit has to go to Olympiacos manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who a few Premier League clubs may be after if he can set a team up like that every week.
      Like a Spanish Jurgen Klopp, he ordered his side to take risks and not give the Villa defence a second to play out.
      The former Sevilla boss also gave a ball to a Villa mascot after the match, which was a nice touch.
      For Emery, it was like a horrible throwback to one of his Arsenal team’s performances.
      Villa were completely unable to adapt when they were put under pressure and the game went against them.
      But they did have more than their share of chances, and while it’s an extremely tall order to win by two goals or more in Piraeus, they won’t feel they’re completely out of it.
      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Copy linkCopied90+4: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Ollie Watkins gets the ball down the left but he seems to have somewhat run out of gas.
      The England star can do nothing more than run the ball out of play when he should have easily kept it in.
      Copy linkCopied90+1: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Aston Villa attack down the left this time.
      But a poor Digne cross goes straight to Tzolakis.
      Copy linkCopied90: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Five minutes added on.
      Copy linkCopied89: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Jhon Duran goes for the spectacular, and spectacular it isn’t.
      The Colombian’s effort at an overhead scissor kick is so wayward that it doesn’t even reach the goal.
      Now it’s defender Panos Retsos’ turn to go down with a banged head.
      Copy linkCopied86: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      John McGinn gets the ball in a promising position and beats his man on the edge of the box.
      However, his penalty goes straight at Tzolakis.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Douglas Luiz will have few worse evenings in his career.
      David Carmo was lucky to avoid having a penalty given against him for a handball, but then brought down Duran leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
      Luiz, who has had a shocker so far, immediately picks up the ball.
      But Olympiacos then resort to delaying tactics Emi Martinez would be proud of and it gets to the Brazilian, who fires so high and wide that he’d have missed if there were two goals!
      Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedPenalty to Aston Villa!
      Copy linkCopied79: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      It could have been another one for the Greeks.
      But Robin Olsen manages to parry away a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
      Copy linkCopied77: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Aston Villa get a free kick and it finds the head of Ollie Watkins.
      However, Watkins header ends up closer to the corner flag than the goal.
      It’s been that sort of night for Villa so far.
      Copy linkCopied71: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Ollie Watkins is at the centre of things again as he is played through on the right.
      He cuts inside but does everything too ponderously and sees his shot comfortably held by Tzolakis.
      Copy linkCopied69: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Daniel Podence is subbed off for Andre Horta.
      He doesn’t look too happy with the decision.
      With the state of the Villa defence tonight, the ex-Wolves man probably fancied his chances of scoring a goal and rubbing it in the home fans’ faces.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
      Good work from Podence down the left who commits Cash then lays the ball off to Santiago Hezze.
      The Argentine fires a deflected strike past the despairing Robin Olsen.
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!
      It’s a fourth for Olympiacos! What is going on?!
      Copy linkCopied64: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 3
      Morgan Rogers gets the ball on the right-wing and tries a Diaby-style snapshot.
      But it’s a disappointing effort and hits the side-netting.
      Copy linkCopied62: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 3
      Olympiacos starting to slow things down as their winger goes down injured, with the game stopped for him to receive treatment.
      To add insult to injury for the home crowd, it’s ex-Wolves star Daniel Podence.
      Copy linkCopied60: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 3
      A well-placed through ball finds Watkins but Tzolakis is quick to react.
      However the Greek goalkeeper slides the ball against Watkins and it goes wide.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2 Olympiacos 3
      The referee, who hasn’t given Villa a thing all night, points straight to the spot.
      But this time he is spot on as the ball was clearly headed against Douglas’ Luiz’s outstretched arm.
      El Kaabi slots home and the Greek journalists go wild.
      A bit too wild for the Villa fans behind who are now pelting the media section with scrunched up paper aeroplanes.
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!
      It’s a hat-trick for Ayoub El Kaabi!
      Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Olympiacos!
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2 Olympiacos 2
      It’s a bit of a howler from goalkeeper Tzolakis.
      The 21-year-old bets everything on Diaby switching onto his stronger left foot.
      However, Diaby instead beats him at his near post to poke the ball in with his right.
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!
      It’s Moussa Diaby!
      Copy linkCopied46: Aston Villa 1 Olympiacos 2
      Olympiacos substitution.
      Francisco Ortega is replaced by Nottingham Forest loanee Omar Richards.
      Copy linkCopied More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa match hit by medical emergency as stand is EVACUATED and police rush in

      by

      A SECTION of Villa Park was evacuated after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest at half-time during Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League defeat to Olympiacos.An announcement was made as police rushed up to attend to the incident.Part of the Holte End was cleared as police rushed to the sceneSupporters were urged to clear Lower L2 in the Holte EndCredit: Getty Images – GettyAyoub El Kaabi slotted Olympiacos into the leadCredit: GettyEl Kaabi then doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 29th minuteCredit: ReutersIt said: “Could all supporters clear Holte Lower L2 and make sure the gangways are clear.”TNT Sports confirmed a fan had suffered a cardiac arrest and was being taken out to an ambulance.The start of the second half was delayed by several minutes, before play resumed.Villa trailed 2-1 at half-time when the medical emergency occurred, before they ended up losing 4-2 in a huge blow to their Europa Conference League hopes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnai Emery’s men are bidding to reach the semi-finals, but endured the worst possible start to the first leg as Olympiacos’ Ayoub El-Kaabi scored twice before the half-hour mark.Ollie Watkins pulled one back in stoppage time at the end of the first period.Villa then levelled things up shortly after the break through Moussa Diaby, before Olympiacos regained the lead from the penalty spot as El Kaabi completed his hat-trick.And Santiago Hezze gave the Greek visitors further breathing space midway through the second half to stun Villa Park.Most read in FootballOllie Watkins pulled one back just before half-timeCredit: GettyMoussa Diaby levelled things up shortly after the breakCredit: PAEl Kaabi completed his hat-trick from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersSantiago Hezze score Olympiacos’ fourth of the eveningCredit: GettyThe winner of the tie will face Fiorentina or Club Brugge in the final on May 29.Villa scraped into the last eight after beating Lille on penalties in the previous round.Non-league clash SUSPENDED for medical emergency in crowd as air ambulance lands on pitchBut while winning the trophy would clinch Europa League football next season, Emery’s men look set to secure Champions League qualification.Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday night leaves Villa seven points clear in fourth place in the Premier League having played just one game more. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa only team with two fixtures in Gameweek 34 but Dream Team bosses should look further ahead

      by

      EVER since the English clubs were eliminated from the Champions League and Europa League, Aston Villa’s stock has risen among Dream Team managers.As the only Premier League side still active in Europe, the Villains have experienced a surge in popularity.The first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final with Olympiacos means they’re among just three teams with two fixtures to fulfil this current Gameweek, with Thursday night’s game following on from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the weekend.And Unai Emery’s troops are the only team facing a double header in Gameweek 34 in the form of back-to-back away days to Brighton and Olympiacos.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 IN CASH!It’s all eyes on Aston Villa in Gameweek 34Credit: Dream TeamIt’s rare that one team has an additional fixture over all their top flight rivals and so Dream Team bosses will naturally be interested in Villa assets ahead of Friday night’s deadline.For the second week in a row, Ollie Watkins (£5m) is among the most-popular recruits and with good reason.The England international has massed 295 points at an average of 6.4 per game this season via 23 goals and 17 assists.His current ownership of 37% makes him the fifth most-popular player in the game but it could be argued he deserves to be among the top three given his form and schedule.After Watkins, it’s not all that clear which Villa players are best placed to take advantage of the extra fixture in Gameweek 34 and beyond.Most read in Dream TeamEmi Martinez (£3.1m) picked up an injury last time out and the World Cup winner is expected to be miss this weekend’s game against the Seagulls at the very least – he is suspended for the first leg against the Greek giants regardless.A must-have asset for the remainder of the season?Credit: GettyLeon Bailey (£3.7m) and Moussa Diaby (£3.1m) are tempting options but both have been the subject of many substitutions this season.Douglas Luiz (£3.8m) and John McGinn (£3.9m) are guaranteed more minutes but don’t provide quite the same level of attacking threat – although the former is on penalties.Ezri Konsa (£3.5m) is seemingly the best option from the defenders as he is among the top bonus point earners in the game with 52 – the three players above him in this metric are all midfielders.The other thing for gaffers to consider is that Villa aren’t among the six clubs with two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 35; that sextet being Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea, Brighton and Spurs.Those keen on squeezing the schedule could recruit Villa players for Gameweek 34 and then replace them with busier assets ahead of Gameweek 35.It’s hard to know which Villa players will capitalise this monthCredit: ReutersHowever, others will have to choose between Gameweeks 34 and 35 when targeting the midweek fixture(s).Alternatively, some will choose to tailor this week’s transfers to Gameweek 35 as well as next week’s batch, with a view to making the most of the six double headers.Helpfully, gaffers should be able to get a read on Villa’s prospects in Greece when they face Olympiacos at Villa Park this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Thursday night’s game is a favourable match-up that yields plentiful points then that will reinforce the idea that Watkins and company are smart selections for the upcoming double header, especially with Brighton’s form falling off a cliff.And of course, if Emery’s men progress to the final of the Europa Conference League then they’ll have a fixture in Gameweek 37 – which currently features just the FA Cup final between the Manchester clubs.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
      Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
      18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More