Martin O’Neill takes his Aston Villa side to Hamburg to face a familiar face in the shape of Martin Jol, whose side currently top Uefa Cup Group F.
The former Tottenham manager has enjoyed fine fortunes since taking charge of the Bundesliga side in the summer with his side sitting two points off German league leaders Hoffenheim, and a win over Villa on the final matchday of the group stage of the Uefa Cup would see the hosts finish top. This is also Hamburg’s last game of 2008 before they embark on a break of almost seven weeks.
Villa could also finish in first place with victory in Hamburg, but both sides will be wary of a draw which would allow Ajax to trump them both with a win against Slavia Prague. Either way, both Villa and Hamburg have secured progression to the last 32 but will be eager to avoid higher seeds.
Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry, James Milner and captain Martin Laursen have all stayed at home so Brad Guzan, Zat Knight, Nicky Shorey, Moustapha Salifou, Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood and goalscorer in the defeat to Zilina – Nathan Delfouneso – are all in contention for starts.
Jol may recall defender Guy Demel following his weekend suspension but there is a doubt lingering over David Jarolim’s fitness due to a knee problem.
Villa have never faced Hamburg in Europe before this season, but did win their last competitive match against a German in the 1982 Uefa Cup final against Bayern Munich, 1-0.
O’Neill’s side have won their last six consecutive Uefa Cup away games – inclusive of this season’s qualifying round – and have scored 13 goals in the process, conceding just two.
Pivotal Player: Nathan Delfouneso. Used the game against Zilina to stake a claim for this game and could continue his impressive rise with a good performance in Germany.
Prediction: 2-2.