After going 2-0 down to RB Salzburg, goals from Morgan Rogers, Tyrone Mings and youngster Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba sealed a 3-2 win and a top two place in the Europa League.

Things domestically since then haven’t been good. Just one win to celebrate, three defeats at Villa Park which included an FA Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United (3-1). From looking comfortable for a Champions League place next season to now looking like for a 3rd season in a row it will go down to a photo finish.

This week has seen some much needed positive news on the injury front. Captain John McGinn has returned to full training and has travelled to France. How long he will play for we are not sure but great news indeed ahead of the crucial match at Manchester United this Sunday.

First we have to play Lille, a side who we met in 2023/24 Conference Quarter-Finals stage. After taking a 2-1 lead at Villa Park, we were 2-0 down in the return leg and looking at an exit until Matty Cash struck late on. We then won on penalties, to progress.

Lille did well in the Champions League last season, finishing 7th in the league stage before going down to the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the last 16. This season has been much tougher for them in Europe after seeing a few key players leave in the Summer.

After finishing 18th in league stage, they lost at home 1-0 to Red Star Belgrade in the last 16, with all to do in Serbia. Against the odds, they won 2-0 after extra time to set up this reunion.

There are obviously some personnel changes for the knockout stages which sees Tammy Abraham, Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey included in the squad with Donyell Malen now at AS Roma and Evan Guessand taking part in the Conference League for Crystal Palace.

This has certainly been a roller coaster of a season and there are still two months to go! Things have been tough so far in 2026 but we need to get behind the team as we look to qualify for the Champions League on two fronts.

We can’t afford more bad results but I feel the return of McGinn is going to be a huge boost. Youri Tielemans is expected to be back after Easter and this still could be a season to remember.

Up The Villa!