A 2-1 loss against Go Ahead Eagles back in October is the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record for Unai Emery’s men in Europe so far. Because of that, his side have little to play for coming into this clash, so are likely to play with a bit more attacking freedom at Villa Park. 

Prior to their loss against Everton at home last week, Villa had won 11 consecutive matches across all competitions on home turf, with 23 goals scored in that time. They have been devastatingly efficient in the final third this season, which doesn’t bode well for Salzburg. 

However, the Austrian side will hope for an element of complacency to set in for the hosts. Salzburg must win for any chance of qualifying, so they will have to be front-footed in their approach. That could make for an open contest, making the goals market one to target.

With a record of two wins and five losses from their seven Europa League matches this season, it has been a poor campaign from the Red Bulls, but they have been able to cause problems in the final third.

They faced Lyon, the only other side who have secured a top-eight spot, back in matchday two of the Europa League in October, and lost 2-0. However, Salzburg racked up 15 shots in that match, forcing five saves from Dominik Greif. 

The Austrian side are averaging 13.5 shots per game in the Europa League this term, with 5.1 on target. They have forced at least three opposition saves in six out of seven matches, drawing an average of 3.8 saves per game. 

Marco Bizot racked up eight saves in between the sticks for Aston Villa in their last European outing against Fenerbahce, highlighting how Villa can be open at the back at times.

If Salzburg are to secure a positive result on Wednesday night, they will need Yorbe Vertessen to be on top form. The Belgian international has bagged the most goals for Salzburg in the Europa League so far, with three goals from seven appearances.

He is averaging 3.21 shots per 90, and has landed this selection in each of his last five European starts. Vertessen is the prime candidate to lead the line for his side here and will be the focal point of Salzburg's attacks. 

Vertessen has registered 14 shots in the Europa League so far, with 11 of those from within the box, and three from outside. The 25-year-old does fancy his chances from range, which bodes well for this selection. Especially given the context of the game, Salzburg might get desperate at times and resort to speculative efforts from a distance. 

With John McGinn out injured, Jadon Sancho was entrusted to start out on the right wing by Unai Emery at the weekend. Evan Guessand was an unused substitute in that game, but is likely to feature here from the start, given how he has been a regular in the Europa League so far. 

The Ivory Coast international has accrued more fouls than any other Aston Villa player in Europe so far, averaging 1.84 fouls per 90. He has committed an infringement in five out of six starts in total, including four fouls against FC Basel. 

Guessand’s primary matchup on the flank will be against Frank Kratzig. The fullback is averaging 0.72 fouls drawn per 90 this season, which is nothing to write home about, but he has been fouled in each of his last four starts. Kerim Alajbegovic should also play on the left - he is averaging 2.95 fouls drawn per 90 this season, and will occupy a similar zone of the field as Guessand.