From England to Greece: Olympiacos vs Aston Villa.

Aston Villa conceded four goals against Olympiacos in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi final in a match that ended 4-2 in favour of Olympiacos. 

Aston Villa suffered another defeat to Brighton 1-0 in the Premier League while Olympiacos continued with their winning ways with a fantastic 4-1 win against Lamia.
Olympiacos having defeated Aston Villa at Villa Park, they now hold the upper hand as Aston Villa travel to their home ground. Olympiacos have gone eight matches unbeaten consisting of seven wins and one draw. Four of the seven wins have been on home soil against Aris, POAK, Lamia and Turkish side Fenerbache in the quarter finals of the UEFA Conference League.

Aston Villa before their two previous defeats against Olympiacos and Brighton had been on an impressive six match unbeaten run in all competitions. Some of the victories came against Premier league sides Arsenal and Bournemouth  along with home and away wins against Lille in the quarter finals of the UEFA Conference League. 

Olympiacos are currently fourth in the Greece Super League after 33 games. They have 22 wins, four draws and seven losses  leaving them on 70 points and five points from the top of the league.

This is the first time Olympiacos have played in the UEFA Conference league. However they have competed in other European Club Competitions. Olympiacos have made it to the Round of 16 stage in the Europa League and also made it to the Quarter Finals in 1999 where they lost 3 - 2 on aggregate to Juventus in the Champions League.

Aston Villa are fourth in the Premier League after 36 games. They have won 20  times, drawn seven times and lost nine times leaving them with 67 points and seven points clear for Champions League football next season.

This is also the first time Aston Villa have competed in the UEFA Conference league. But the only European experience Aston Villa have had is in Europa league. In 2010, Aston Villa lost 2 - 2 on away goals to Rapid Vienna in the Fourth Round and in 2011 they lost 4 - 3 on aggregate to Rapid Vienna in the Qualifying Round.

Giulian Biacone is the only injury Olympiacos have. However, Fran Navarro, Nelson Abbey, Ivan Brnic, Gelson Martins, Jovane and Rúben Vezo are all ineligible to play.

Aston Villa will be without Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Jacob Ramsey for the rest of the season. However, Youri Tielemans and Emi Martinez may return.