Prediction: Aston Villa vs Juventus

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Aston Villa will aim to extend their perfect home record in the Champions League on Wednesday when they welcome Juventus to Villa Park.

Despite a recent dip in form, Unai Emery’s side have impressed on home soil in Europe, securing victories in their first two matches. However, with just one point separating the teams in the standings, a loss to the Italian giants would see Villa relinquish their position to Juventus.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s inaugural Champions League campaign has exceeded expectations, kicking off with three consecutive victories, including a stunning win over Bayern Munich at Villa Park. However, their momentum was halted earlier this month by a 1-0 defeat to Club Brugge, part of a broader dip in form.

Domestically, Villa have struggled, managing only five wins from 12 Premier League matches. A 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend highlighted their challenges, with Ross Barkley’s late equalizer salvaging a point. The Villans also endured a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break, marking their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions and leaving them eighth in the league.

Despite recent struggles, Villa boast a strong European home record, winning eight of their last nine matches at Villa Park. Manager Unai Emery, with prior victories over Juventus while at Sevilla and Villarreal, will aim to leverage his European expertise. This encounter marks the clubs’ first meeting since their 1983 European Cup clash, where Juventus triumphed 5-2 on aggregate, ending Villa’s title defence.

Team News

Emery’s squad faces injury setbacks ahead of their Champions League clash with Juventus. Jacob Ramsey (hamstring) and Amadou Onana (foot) are sidelined, with Onana withdrawing from Belgium’s UEFA Nations League match. Additionally, Boubacar Kamara and Ezri Konsa are unlikely to feature.

As a result, Ross Barkley and Matty Cash could step into starting roles midweek. Ollie Watkins, fresh off scoring Villa’s equalizer against Crystal Palace, is expected to lead the attack. However, Jhon Duran, who has scored in both of his Champions League outings at Villa Park this season, remains a strong contender for a starting spot.

Juventus

Juventus, historically a European powerhouse, have struggled on English soil, winning just three of their last 15 visits while suffering nine defeats. However, their resilience was on display earlier this season with a 3-2 win over RB Leipzig despite being reduced to 10 men.

After a strong start to their Champions League campaign with victories against PSV Eindhoven and Leipzig, Juventus’ momentum slowed. Their only loss this season, a late 1-0 defeat to Stuttgart, underscores their competitive consistency. Across all competitions, Thiago Motta’s team have recorded eight wins and eight draws, including a 1-1 result at Lille earlier in November.

Juventus, with seven points from four Champions League games, face a critical phase in their bid for the knockout rounds. A goalless draw against AC Milan on Saturday highlighted their defensive strength, with the Turin side boasting the best record in Serie A – only seven goals conceded and nine clean sheets after 13 matches. As part of a tightly contested title race in Italy, Juve must balance domestic ambitions with their European campaign.

Team News

Juventus face significant challenges in their squad heading into the clash against Aston Villa. Key striker Dusan Vlahovic, pivotal with five goal involvements in six Champions League away matches, is doubtful due to a lingering thigh issue after Serbia’s recent draw with Denmark. Compounding their attacking woes, his deputy Arkadiusz Milik is sidelined until next year, leaving Juve without a natural striker—a strategy that underwhelmed in their goalless draw against AC Milan.

Defensive setbacks include season-ending ACL injuries for Bremer and Juan Cabal, while Argentinian winger Nico Gonzalez is also out with a thigh problem. Additionally, both Douglas Luiz, a former Villa Park favorite, and Weston McKennie—who nearly joined Villa as Luiz’s replacement—are doubtful due to muscular injuries.

Conclusion

Juventus’ resolute defensive structure and tactical discipline, combined with Aston Villa’s dip in form since late October, could give the visitors the edge in this encounter. Despite their injury woes, Juve’s experience and adaptability in high-stakes games may prove decisive, as they aim to capitalize on Villa’s struggles and extend their hosts’ winless streak. Villa’s home advantage and attacking potential will, however, test the Italian giants, and the Bianconeri might be forced to settle for a point on this trip.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet