Shels not looking overawed as they put a few passes together. Their league season has already ended.

Image source, Getty Images

Don Hutchison
Ex-Scotland midfielder on TNT Sports

Marc Guehi should have scored. He has missed an absolute sitter. He couldn't sort his feet, the skipper.

Lovely crossfield pass from Konsa who finds Lucas Digne but his cross is blocked. Villa are already beginning to dominate possession.

Palace should be ahead but Marc Guehi doesn't make proper contact with the ball inside the six-yard box from a set-piece.

Andy Townsend
Former Aston Villa midfielder on TNT Sports

Unai Emery's team have been in sparkling form.

At their best they have too much for almost anyone and then when they're not, they still find a way.

Image source, Reuters

Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa gives the ball away pretty early on but Basel don't capitalise.

Meant to say in the build-up, this is first match between these sides since Villa beat Basel 4-1 in the Intertoto Cup in 2001.

Palace have a corner within the opening 60 seconds as Chris Richards' long throw is put behind.

Off we go. The 20:00 GMT matches across Europe get under way.

Shay Given
Former Republic of Ireland keeper on TNT Sports

Perfect conditions if you're an underdog.

Image source, Getty Images

Shelbourne manager Joey O'Brien: "It's about us.

"I keep on saying that because that's the message I've been saying to the lads. Sometimes you can think too far about things and think of who you're playing against and where they've come from.

"But for me, that doesn't work. It's about yourself, being proud of your own journey, how you've got here, and the incredible stories to get to this game.

“They'll never hear me speak about fear in football.

"It's a great opportunity for us as a football club and the lads as players to really go out in front of a sold-out crowd to really show how good footballers they are, and that they belong on the pitch.”

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner: "I think to be among the top eight, we need more than three points to get there.

"But right now, when I see our schedule, it's just important that we get qualified.

"If we have to play the knockout qualification [play-off round] at the end of February, I don't worry about it, because it's so far away at the moment.

"It's important to get the qualification."

Anybody expecting Crystal Palace to walk the Conference League like Chelsea did last season has been wrong.

The Eagles have won two and lost two of their four games and sit in the middle of the table - 18th spot.

They make the relatively short trip today to Dublin to face Shelbourne, who only have one point and are likely to go out.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to TNT Sports: "Each match is a new test. Of course this is very important for us. We can't stop. Our first target is to be in the top eight and to be there is demanding. Today is a very difficult match because they need points.

"We must be so consistent. Today is a very important match. More than thinking how we've been before is how we will be today."

Steve Hermon
BBC Radio WM commentator in Basel

It's conceivable to think that Aston Villa fans travelled here via cloud nine.

After all, they've been on it ever since Saturday lunchtime's thrilling victory over Premier League leaders Arenal, but now it's from euphoria to Europa as Unai Emery's side focus their attention on a competition that the Spaniard has won a record four times in his career, including in the 2016 final against Liverpool at Basel's St. Jakob Park.

The Villa boss returns there knowing a win would move them a step closer to the knockout stage, although they did lose their last away match. They suffered a surprise defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on a rainy night in the Netherlands, in which the head coach made seven changes to his starting line-up. However, 'In Unai We Trust' has been the resounding message from the fans I've spoken to in Switzerland.

Their high spirits are being helped not only by that dramatic victory in the Premier League but also Basel's delightful Christmas market on Munsterplatz. Oh, and probably a beer or two in one of the many bars in the tri-border city, where three points will be an early festive gift for the 1,800 supporters who've travelled here for another European away day experience to savour.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa are on a formidable run having won 13 of their past 15 fixtures in all competitions.

If results go their way tonight, a big win could even send Unai Emery's side to the top of the Europa League table.

Villa are taking on Basel who are third in the Swiss Super League but have just two wins from five games in the Europa League.

Always a quick turnaround on a Thursday.

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are 10 minutes away from some European football.

Michail Antonio
Former Nottingham Forest forward speaking on TNT Sports

They played very well and gave other opportunitires to Kalimuendo who scores and then Jesus came on and scored.

It shows that Dyche can really use his squad and that's what you need.

Image source, Getty Images

Thomas Hitzlsperger
Former Aston Villa midfielder on TNT Sports

It wasn't always a great watch. It needs time for everything to click, but to comeback and for the team to believe in that win will boost their confidence.

Midtjylland stay top of the Europa League table after a 1-0 win over Genk, while second-placed Real Betis also won.

Ferencvaros are third, followed by Braga - who beat Nice.

Rangers are as good as out of the Europa League after a 2-1 loss at Robbie Keane's Ferencvaros.

Republic of Ireland international Callum O'Dowda set up the Hungarian side's winner.

Rangers are on one point after six games.