Liverpool accept request as manager reveals helping hand for Aston Villa Europa League clash

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Liverpool have provided Go Ahead Eagles with Aston Villa footage to assist their Europa League preparations for Thursday evening's encounter. Former Feyenoord youth coach Melvin Boel, who now manages the Dutch outfit, revealed Liverpool's assistance during Wednesday's pre-match press briefing.

The Eredivisie side has secured just three victories from their 12 fixtures this campaign but earned Europa League qualification after claiming the KNVB Cup final on spot-kicks last term.

Go Ahead Eagles suffered defeat in their Europa League opener at home to FCSB, yet responded with an away triumph over Panathinaikos earlier this month.

Before Thursday's encounter with Villa, Boel was questioned about his preparations for the big night.

"We looked at multiple footage on different platforms," he said. "We have some people in football who we have a good connection with, some people from Liverpool .

"The moment you have that information, you can prepare on the opponent. Liverpool shared with us footage of Aston Villa ."

When the matter was raised with Unai Emery during his own pre-match press conference, the Villa manager responded: "We have our own way. It is to analyse tactically, and then individually their players.

"From that we set our game plan. From the information we have, of course, very professional information.

"We are going to try to get our best and tomorrow we will know how they play."

Villa are setting their sights on a sixth consecutive win and a third straight triumph in the Europa League, having already seen off Bologna and Feyenoord in the competition.

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