As things stand, Aston Villa currently sit second in their Conference League group, just behind Legia Warszawa.
They have nine points from their first three games, having lost to the Polish side on the first match day, but many see them as the favourites to lift the trophy.
One of those is KRC Genk captain Bryan Heynen, who was speaking to Firenze Viola in Italy ahead of his side’s clash against Fiorentina, one of last season’s finalists.
He replied: “Fiorentina have more or less the same squad as last year, so they remain a fearsome formation. Although this year, I see Aston Villa more than any other as the favourites to win the trophy. Ours, on the other hands, is a very balanced group. Fiorentina, Ferencvaros and us, for what is the overall potential, deserve to play in the Europa League.”
Unai Emery has transformed the Villa Park team since his arrival, taking huge strides towards what many hope will be silverware at some point.
Whether that is Aston Villa lifting the Conference League like West Ham did last year, though, remains to be seen.
Their next game in the European competition comes on Thursday night against Legia Warszawa, which could end up being crucial when it comes to deciding who finishes top of the group.
