The play-offs of the UEFA Europa League brings on Thursday the first leg between SK Rapid Wien and Aston Villa. The two teams has met also last season in the Europa League play-offs, where underdog Rapid Wien won this duel and advanced to the next round. Now Aston Villa has the chance to revenge.
In the previous duel last season Rapid Wien advanced with a 1:0 win in Vienna and a 1:2 defeat in Birmingham to the group stage and eliminated the favoured club Aston Villa. Both goals for Pacult´s side scored Nikica Jelavić. The Croatian forward will be also this time in the Rapid squad. His transfer to Glasgow Rangers seems implausible. Rapid Wien have won the last four regular games (2x championship, 1x Europa League, 1x cup), so their form becomes stronger and stronger.
A few days before the season start in English Premier League Martin O'Neill has resigned as Aston Villa coach. Under interims coach Kevin MacDonald the club from Birmingham started perfect in the new season. Aston Villa celebrated a 3:0 at home over West Ham United through goals from Stewart Downing, Stilian Petrov and James Milner.
SK Rapid Wien – Aston Villa UEFA Europa League: play-offs
Date: 19 August, 2010 - 18:45 CET
Stadium: Hanappi Stadium, Vienna
Referee: Alain Hamer (Luxembourg)
SK Rapid Wien: Keeper: Hedl
Defenders: Kayhan, Sonnleitner, Patocka, Katzer
Midfielders: Hofmann, Heikkinen, Kavlak, Hinum, Saurer
Forwards: Jelavic
Coach: Peter Pacult
Injured:
Booked:
Aston Villa: Keeper: Friedel
Defenders: Luke Young, Dunne, Warnock, Clark
Midfielders: Downing, Ashley Young, Petrov, Milner
Forwards: Agbonlahor, Carew
Coach: Kevin MacDonald
Injured: Delph
Questionable: Cuéllar, Collins
Booked:
For Thursday evening are forecast dry weather, but there is a small chance on rain. This would be an easy advantage for the guests. On the other side Rapid counts as home strong, their fans are the 12th man. The fixture against Aston Villa will be sold out. So I see here pros for the home team. Referee will be Alain Hamer from Luxembourg.
Last meeting: 29.07.2010, 27.08.2009, Aston Villa – Rapid Wien 2:1
Wins Rapid Wien: 1
Wins Aston Villa: 1
Draws: 0
Aston Villa have the stronger squad, but especially at home Rapid Wien can surprise. I guess that Pacult´s side repeat the success from last year and bet on win Rapid Wien.
The best odds for '
Win Rapid Wien' you find at
Tipico,
Bet365 and
Bet-at-Home.
