Aston Villa stand at a crossroads. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 20:00 BST) isn't just another match—it's a defining moment for this squad.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, a 30-year trophy drought looms large over the club. There's a growing sense that this might be the last chance for this group of players to end that long wait and etch their names into Villa folklore.

The stability Emery brought when he took over in November 2022—when Villa were 14th and just three points above the relegation zone—has been remarkable. Nine of the current squad started his first game, a 3-1 win over Manchester United. Six of those same players started the first leg against Forest last week. That continuity has been the bedrock of Villa's resurgence.

But now, as they stumble into the biggest match of Emery's reign, questions are being asked: has he taken this group as far as he can?

Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham—a third consecutive loss—was far from ideal preparation, even with Emery making eight changes. The result highlighted a lack of squad depth, with only Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Youri Tielemans, and Morgan Rogers viewed as first-choice starters in that lineup.

Yet, Emery's focus remains unwavering. Privately, at least two fellow Premier League managers have admired how he's prioritized this semi-final and stuck to his strategy. It's no surprise—Emery has won the Europa League a record four times, three with Sevilla and once with Villarreal. Those close to him expect a completely different performance from Sunday's surrender.

"We are improving, including myself, and we will have more challenges to set for the present or future," Emery said when asked if this is the squad's last chance to win silverware. "I don't think tomorrow is the last opportunity for us or anyone."

For Villa's nearly men, Thursday night is their moment to prove they're more than just close—they're ready to win.