Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Aston Villa hold all the cards over Club Brugge after a 1-3 triumph in the first-leg.
Kick-off date/time: Wednesday March 12th 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 4:00pm / US PT – 1:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – CBS Sports
How to watch online: UK – Discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Aston Villa Preview: Ruthless in Belgium
Right from the moment they scored the opening goal in the third minute at Jan Breydel Stadion, Aston Villa took control of this round of 16 tie, although Club Brugge equalised soon after. But the strength-in-depth of Aston Villa shone through in the final ten minutes, as Unai Emery’s side scored twice more to take a sizeable lead into this second-leg.
Marco Asensio came off the bench was on the scoresheet again from the penalty spot, maintaining his brilliant start to life at Villa. Marcus Rashford also started and impressed as Aston Villa flexed their muscles.
Club Brugge Preview: Mountain to climb
A terrible final ten minutes has left Club Brugge needing a massive comeback in the West Midlands in order to save this match. Maxim De Cuyper had drawn them level after conceding an early goal to Leon Bailey. But conceding two goals in 82nd and 88th minute ultimately finished them off and puts them in a tough situation.
They’ll need to take some big risks in the second-leg even if it leaves them vulnerable from a defensive perspective, but in order to turn things around, they’ll need to be perfect from both a defensive and attacking point of view.
Aston Villa Team News: Anxious wait over stars
There are a few doubts over the involvement of first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and in-form Marco Asensio but the pair are expected to be involved ahead of the visit of Club Brugge this week. Amadou Onana's involvement remains doubtful, whilst Ross Barkley remains sidelined due to a knee injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, Asensio, Rashford; Watkins
Unavailable: Barkley (Injured)
Questionable: Asensio (Injured), Martinez (Injured), Onana (Injured)
Club Brugge Team News: Two missing for visitors
Club Brugge head to the English second city with a couple of key defensive injury issues. Key left-back Bjorn Meijer is unavailable for the Belgians due to a knee injury, whilst Joaquin Seys is also suffering from a muscle issue. The plan will be to get Club Brugge's slick and mobile front six to bail out their defensive issues.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vetlesen, Jashari; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
Unavailable: Meijer (Injured), Seys (Injured)
Questionable:
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Prediction
Club Brugge have no choice but to try and take this game to the hosts knowing that they need to win by a two-goal advantage just to take the tie to extra time. This may well end up benefitting Aston Villa, as Club Brugge push bodies forward which leaves them potentially exposed defensively. With players like Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins at Emery’s disposal, that bodes well for Villa.
An open game suits the home side and when assessing the two squads on show here, Villa has the stronger one despite the excellent work rate and commitment of Club Brugge. Add that to home advantage being in Villa’s favour and backing them to come out on top in this second leg is a move well worth making.
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Tip: Aston Villa to win
