Villa boss Martin O'Neill set to use understudies again in UEFA Cup clash

Dec 2 2008 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

centre forward, Nathan Delfouneso, who I’m hoping will play at least some part of the game. He’s got a really excellent future ahead of him.

“Brad Guzan was magnificent for us a couple of weeks ago in Prague and he will get an opportunity on Thursday night to play.”

With three teams qualifying from each group for the knockout stages, Villa’s place in the last 32 is all but assured after maximum points from their first two matches.

But O’Neill’s men would still welcome a positive result against Zilina in order to increase their chances of winning the group and earning a favourable draw.

Group winners face third-placed teams in the next round and, along with runners-up, have the added advantage of playing the second-leg at home in the last 32.