Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to Champions League action on Wednesday evening, Aston Villa will travel over to Belgium when they meet Club Brugge.
Club Brugge
Starting with the hosts, although Club Brugge might have a real battle on their hands in the race to defend their domestic crown this season, the Belgium giants are enjoying a recent flurry. Despite being last seen in Champions League action slumping to a 3-1 loss away at AC Milan, Nicky Hayen’s men have won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-2. Likewise, collecting 12 points from their five matchups since returning from October’s international break, Wednesday’s hosts will be looking to make a statement here. However, facing what will be a real challenge in midweek, Club Brugge have. Continued to show some extended issues at the back. Including an action-packed 4-2 defeat at home against Gent on September 22nd, Hayen’s camp have registered just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 10 consecutive appearances.
Team News
Shown a Champions League red card away at AC Milan last month, Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika will miss out through suspension on Wednesday evening. However, aside from the former Midtjylland star, Hayen’s camp have reported a clean bill of health here.
Handed a rest against Leuven over the weekend, Spanish striker Ferran Jutgla should be handed a full recall. Now entering his sixth season a the Jan Breydel Stadium, one-time Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will start between the sticks in midweek.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, suffering a real collapse in north London over the weekend as they fell to a 4-1 drumming against Tottenham, Aston Villa do have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. Crashing out of the EFL Cup last week following a shock 2-1 defeat at home against Crystal Palace, Unai Emery’s men are without a win from any of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Signing off October with last-gasp heartbreak against Bournemouth as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate in the Midlands, the former Arsenal boss will also have a headache over his side’s extended defensive struggles. Despite marking their return from October’s international break with a 3-1 victory away at Fulham, Aston Villa have registered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last five showdowns across all formats. However, enjoying a remarkable Champions League romp, Emery’s side have won each of their first three European appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0.
Team News
Missing back-to-back appearances over the past week, Aston Villa are once again sweating over the fitness of Ross Barkley here. However, aside from the former Chelsea star, Emery’s men have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
Notching two Champions League strikes from his first three European appearances, Jhon Duran should be handed a recall on Wednesday evening and replace Ollie Watkins. Continuing to shine since arriving from Middlesbrough over the summer, Morgan Rogers could play a leading role.
Key Factors to Consider
- Aston Villa have won each of their first three Champions League appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0.
- However, Emery’s side have failed to collect a win from any of their previous three showdowns across all competitions.
- Club Brugge have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- However, Wednesday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 10 matchups across all fronts.
- Aston Villa have recorded just a single clean sheet on their travels since back on September 17th.
Conclusion
While Aston Villa might be without a win from any of their previous three domestic appearances across all competitions, Emery’s camp will be relishing a return to Champions League action. Continuing on what has been a real European fairytale, Wednesday’s guests have remarkably won each of their first three showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-0. Dreaming of the chance to book an iconic knockout stage ticket, we are backing an away victory here.
Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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