After going winless in their first six matches across all competitions to start the season, Aston Villa have finally found their feet, coming into this clash on a five-game winning streak. Their turnaround began with a 1-0 win over Bologna in the Europa League at Villa Park, which broke them out of the winless rut. Aston Villa then managed to pull off an impressive victory in Rotterdam, beating Feyenoord 2-0 to make it back-to-back victories in Europe. 

As it stands, Feyenoord currently sit top of the Eredivisie with an impressive record of eight wins and one drawn from nine games. By contrast, Go Ahead Eagles are 12th, having won just two of their nine league games. With that in mind, this could be a real struggle for the Dutch side. There is a serious gulf in quality between the two, and Go Ahead Eagle’s main concern is more likely to be on damage limitation, as opposed to taking any points.

The Eagles have so far been let down by a poor defensive record, having conceded a total of 16 goals from their nine league games. Two of those came against PSV last time out, as Go Ahead Eagles were beaten 2-1 on their travels by the current Dutch champions. PSV were firmly in control of the games, as they racked up 24 shots and five big chances on home turf, conceding just four shots in return. That defeat was Go Ahead Eagles’ third in their last five matches alone, during which they have conceded a total of nine goals. 

For all their issues at the back, Go Ahead Eagles have managed to score 15 league goals, including one against PSV on their travels last time out. The Eagles have scored in each of their last five matches in all competitions, so will hope to contribute to the scoresheet here and give their fans something to cheer about.

Ian Maatsen has been Aston Villa’s second-choice left-back this season behind Lucas Digne, but he’s been a regular in cup competitions, starting both Europa League fixtures and the EFL Cup tie against Brentford. With Unai Emery usually rotating the pair, Maatsen is expected to return to the starting lineup for this game.

The former Dortmund defender has shown constant attacking intent, registering a shot in all four of his starts so far. He often looks to push forward and overlap from fullback, while his pace also makes him a real threat in transition.

Maatsen has landed this selection in all four starts this season, even managing to get a shot off against Spurs at the weekend despite featuring for just eight minutes off the bench. With Villa likely to dominate possession in this midweek fixture, the Dutchman should find himself in plenty of advanced areas once again.

Emi Buendia was the hero against Spurs at the weekend, as his curling effort from the edge of the box nestled into the far corner to secure victory in East London. The 28-year-old only featured off the bench in that game, but is expected to be rewarded with a return to the starting lineup. He has started both Europa League fixtures this season out on the left-wing. 

The Argentine has committed a foul in each of those European outings and is averaging 2.33 fouls per 90 in all competitions this term, one of the highest in the Villa squad. He is likely to be up against Mats Deijl, the Go Ahead Eagles captain and fullback, who is averaging 2.0 fouls drawn per 90 this season in all competitions. 

Despite limited game time, Buendia has already collected two yellow cards in just ten appearances this term, highlighting his aggressive pressing style and tenacity in duels.