RB Leipzig and Aston Villa are set to face each other in a crucial Champions League clash tonight, with the German side desperate to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat in the competition.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery's men are on the verge of securing qualification for the knockout stages and will be looking to consolidate their position.
Leipzig's domestic form has been more positive, but they will need to translate that into European success. Aston Villa, while strong defensively, have struggled for consistency on the road and will need to be wary of Leipzig's attacking threat.
RB Leipzig Team News
RB Leipzig come into the fixture with several key absentees. Castello Lukeba is suspended and nursing a thigh injury, while Xavi Simons (ankle), El Chadaille Bitshiabu (muscular), Eljif Elmas (hamstring), Yussuf Poulsen (thigh), and David Raum (ankle) are all sidelined.
Marco Rose is likely to rely on his front pairing of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, with Sesko in good scoring form despite the team's European struggles.
The midfield is expected to feature Christoph Baumgartner and Amadou Haidara, who will be tasked with linking play and breaking up Villa's midfield movements.
In defence, Lukas Klostermann and Willi Orban should partner in the centre, with Benjamin Henrichs and Lutsharel Geertruida occupying the full-back roles. Péter Gulácsi is set to start in goal.
RB Leipzig Predicted Lineup to face Aston Villa
Gulacsi; Geertruida, Seiwald, Orban, Henrichs; Baumgartner, Haidara, Vermeeren, Nusa; Sesko, Openda
Here is how the side last lined up
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa face the match without Leon Bailey, who picked up a hamstring injury against Southampton, and Jacob Ramsey, who remains sidelined. However, Amadou Onana has returned to fitness and should feature in the squad.
Emery is expected to stick with his preferred defensive line of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne. In midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans will offer solidity, while Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran will provide creativity and goal threat.
Ollie Watkins may lead the line if Emery opts for experience over Duran. Emiliano Martínez will continue between the sticks, looking to maintain Villa's strong defensive record in Europe.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup to face RB Leipzig
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Philogene, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Aston Villa 
RB Leipzig 
