Looking ahead to Wednesday.
Aston Villa aims to regain winning form when it visits Club Brugge for the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Villans enter the confrontation in Europe’s elite league following a disappointing domestic stretch marked by consecutive losses to Crystal Palace and Tottenham, as Unai Emery aims to secure three points in Belgium during midweek UCL action in order to preserve his team’s flawless record in the prestigious competitions league phase.
Each squad possesses unique playing styles. Club Brugge is renowned for its powerful offence, which frequently results in high-scoring matches characterised by early goals. Under coach Unai Emery’s strategic leadership, Aston Villa possesses a roster that amalgamates youthful vigour with seasoned athletes. These divergent styles establish the foundation for a competitive and engaging contest, and we anticipate a high-scoring event as a result.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Form Guide
Club Brugge’s recent performance comprises four victories and one defeat in their previous five matches. They defeated Belisia 6-1 in the Belgian Cup. A 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League revealed specific vulnerabilities against organised squads.
Jan Breydel Stadion has served as a stronghold for Club Brugge, where their rapid, high-pressure tactics have dominated numerous adversaries. This has maintained their competitiveness for the crown in the domestic league.
Club Brugge: Previous 6 Matches
02.11.2024 OH Leuven 0-1 Club Brugge Be1
30.10.2024 Club Brugge 6-1 Belisia Bilzen Belgian Cup
27.10.2024 Club Brugge 2-1 Anderlecht Be1
22.10.2024 AC Milan 3-1 Club Brugge UCL
19.10.2024 Westerlo 1-2 Club Brugge Be1
06.10.2024 Club Brugge 1-1 Union St-Gilloise Be1
Aston Villa has commenced its inaugural Champions League season under Unai Emery with an exceptional start. After three matches, they lead the rankings, and the West Midlands unit couldn’t have asked for a better start after claiming three straight over Young Boys, Bologna, and, German giants Bayern Munich.
Their performance in the Premier League has been mostly consistent, with a robust start positioning them for another top-four finish this season. Following ten matches, they occupy sixth position with five victories and three draws. They have suffered only one defeat in their last 11 games in the Premier League and Europe, which occurred over the weekend against Tottenham.
Aston Villa: Previous 6 Matches
03.11.2024 Tottenham 4-1 Aston Villa EPL
30.10.2024 Aston Villa 1-2 Crystal Palace EFL Cup
26.10.2024 Aston Villa 1-1 Bournemouth EPL
22.10.2024 Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna UCL
19.10.2024 Fulham 1-3 Aston Villa EPL
06.10.2024 Aston Villa 0-0 Man Utd EPL
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Injury Updates
The Villans have a singular injury issue, as Ross Barkley missed the match against Tottenham and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Likewise, Brugge has no new fitness concerns, although Andreas Skov Olsen may be a potential issue despite starting, scoring, and playing 74 minutes in the previous match against OH Leuven. However, the Belgium unit faces suspension troubles after Raphael Onyedika is out for the game because of a red card received in the previous encounter against AC Milan.
Two almost fully fit squads will result in a compelling confrontation between two factions at near optimal power.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: The Betting Odds
Club Brugge 5/2
Draw 77/29
Aston Villa 23/20
Unsurprisingly, the best football betting sites have positioned Villa with favourable odds. However, they remain in plus-money territory, thus making them a huge value bet when considering their current UCL form.
H2: Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Prediction
The Villans currently lead the new league phase of the UCL competition , having secured victories in all three matches thus far. However, their recent defeat in London marked their third consecutive game without a win, prompting hopes of a turnaround in Belgium.
Their hosts have suffered only one defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions and are now in commendable scoring form. Yet, losses to AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund in the UCL have positioned them low in the standings, suggesting a challenging evening on Wednesday.
Although Villa is favoured to prevail, they have allowed goals in four of their previous five matches. Their Belgian opponents, including Andreas Skov Olsen, who’s been on fire in the Pro League this term, possess the offensive prowess to challenge Unai Emery’s defence.
Club Brugge has netted goals in their previous nine matches across all competitions and scored despite a loss in Milan last month; on that note and considering that both teams have scored in four of Villa’s last five games, expecting a goal at both ends during this clash wouldn’t be surprising.
We must, however, recognise the level of competition. Brugge’s unbeaten run stems from a domestic front, and Dortmund and AC Milan have already defeated the hosts in this competition. Holding the hosts from finding the net will prove difficult; at the same time, Villa has demonstrated excellence with triumphs over Bologna, Young Boys, and, most impressively, Bayern Munich, making them live to find a clear-cut victory to extend their impressive European form versus the weakest team they’ve played in Europe this season.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Best Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 7/10
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Best Betting Value: Aston Villa to Win @ 23/20
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Score Prediction: 1-3
