Aston Villa vs Celtic Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have been inconsistent in recent months but could still just about squeeze into the top eight of the UEFA Champions League as they welcome Celtic to Villa Park.

Kick-off date/time: Wednesday 29th January, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Discovery+ / US – Paramount+

Aston Villa Team News: Mings injury

England international defender Tyrone Mings was forced off with a knee injury at the weekend and he is now expected to be unavailable for this one, whilst Amadou Onana has resumed training but separate from the rest of the squad as of before the weekend.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Digne, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Unavailable: Torres (Injured), Barkley (Injured)

Questionable: Mings (Injured), Onana (Fitness)

Celtic Team News: Maeda suspension

Celtic have a fully fit squad for the midweek trip to Villa Park but the Bhoys are without Japan international forward Daizen Maeda after he was sent off via a VAR decision against Young Boys last week so he is now missing through suspension for this one.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Idah

Unavailable: Maeda (Suspended)

Questionable: 

Aston Villa vs Celtic Prediction

Aston Villa head into this one still as firm favourites with their home advantage but their chances of a top eight finish and automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League knockouts were dealt a blow with a 1-0 defeat to Monaco at Stade Louis II last week. That was followed up by being eventually fortunate to share a 1-1 draw with West Ham United the other day in a game in which Villa had taken an early lead. They now face a Celtic side that have secured knockout football in this competition for the first time since 2013 after edging past Young Boys at Celtic Park last week thanks to a late Loris Benito own goal. Celtic perhaps lack a bit of motivation, other than facing a fellow British side, whilst the hosts need a win to give themselves a chance of a top eight finish so siding with the hosts looks the way to go for this one.

Aston Villa vs Celtic Tip: Aston Villa to win