Emery named pretty much his strongest available XI for the tie in Rotterdam earlier this month and was rewarded with a result which kept his team up with the early pacesetters in the competition’s league phase.
Just as in last season’s Champions League, when they won their first three matches, Villa appear determined to get much of the hard work done early, with the win over Feyenoord coming just seven days after an opening night triumph over Bologna.
Another victory in the Netherlands over Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday night would virtually guarantee qualification for the play-off round, at worst, with the competition only a month old.
The conundrum for Emery will be just how many changes he makes to a team now with serious momentum having now won five straight in all competitions.