This is it, our second European Semi-Final in 3 seasons, and the first in this competition (previously the Uefa Cup). This season has had many highs and a few difficult lows but in the final stretch of the season, we stand well placed to qualify for the Champions League on the basis of Premier League position and have a great opportunity of winning our first major silverware for 30 years.
Now, I have covered our history in European Football, which began 50 years ago which featured us becoming European Champions in 1982. Tonight though we will be doing a first, an all English clash and a Midlands Derby too.
Standing in our way are Nottingham Forest, who have had European glory of their own, winning back to back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 under the influential and inspiring stewardship of Brian Clough.
Much has changed since those glory days for English Football in Europe in the early eighties. And tonight, whilst we are fighting for qualification to the Champions League on the merit of our league position, Forest are battling to survive after a difficult campaign which has seen four different Managers.
They have recently seemed seen to steady the ship, and two big wins over Burnley (4-1) and Sunderland (5-0) means they will have their heads up for a potentially difficult assignment.
In our two league meetings, we have picked up four points out of six, a 3-1 win at Villa Park in January and a 1-1 draw at the City ground earlier this month.
Our record away in Europe has been perfect barring that hiccup in Holland against Go Ahead Eagles. The first leg is not always decisive but gives a good indication of how it will go. Well begun is half done.
Most of the squad are fit, so we go into the game full of confidence. I feel that a strong result tonight will put us in a good place for the return at Villa Park next Thursday.
It’s the biggest week of the season so far with us being back at home this Sunday for a game against Tottenham Hotspur, another team with a revolving door on the Manager’s Office. This game itself could possibly secure us a top five finish.
With Mr Unai Emery in charge, results have been consistent, to a level which has probably not been seen since the days of Ron Saunders. The team tonight need to do one thing to be considered amongst the greats to wear the Claret and Blue shirts. Win the Europa League on May 20th.
Up The Villa!