Aston Villa travel to the Jan Breydelstadion to face Club Brugge on Tuesday evening for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The Villans have adapted well to life in the Champions League this season, proving worthy of their place in the knockout rounds. They completed the league phase with an eventful 4-2 victory over Celtic, which ultimately secured a top-eight finish and direct entry to the last 16.
However, Club Brugge were one of the two sides that beat Unai Emery’s side in the Champions League group phase, thanks to a composed penalty from Hans Vanaken. So, Aston Villa will be keen to exact revenge and return home from Belgium with something tangible ahead of next week’s second leg.
Aston Villa Team News
Emiliano Martinez recently overcame a minor injury and played in the 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Cardiff City last weekend. But Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, and Matty Cash were unavailable against Cardiff City, though the latter’s chances of featuring at Club Brugge are higher.
Double time 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8oPJK4w1EW
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 3, 2025
Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley will miss out again for Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia will be unavailable for selection as they were not named in the squad for the Champions League knockout rounds.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Club Brugge (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
One of the best goalkeepers in the world, Emiliano Martinez has to be at his sublime best to keep a clean sheet against Club Brugge in midweek. He keeps his place in the the Aston Villa lineup.
Defence
Unai Emery could make a couple of changes to his defence. Matty Cash is expected to be fit and start at right-back, while Lucas Digne replaces Ian Maatsen on the opposite side of the defence in the Aston Villa lineup.
With Tyrone Mings doubtful, Boubacar Kamara, who was an unused substitute against Cardiff City last weekend after returning from injury, could start in central defence and partner Ezri Konsa. Kamara and Konsa must stay focused and disciplined to limit Brugge’s attacks.
Midfield
John McGinn and Youri Tielemans should try controlling things in the middle of the park with their passing, movement and ball-winning skills. They will have to be sharp and decisive with their passing, especially in transitions to help counter Brugge effectively.
Villa’s MVP this season, Morgan Rogers came off the bench in the FA Cup win over Cardiff but should start here. If he gets time and space to run with the ball, the English playmaker could cause havoc against the Belgian giants.
Attack
Loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are building an exciting partnership between them, with the duo linking up again in the 2-0 win over Cardiff. Asensio has four goals in his last three outings, making him a certainty to start. Rashford also deserves to keep his place in the Aston Villa lineup, hoping to bring his experience and flair to help Villa get a good result at Brugge.
Ollie Watkins should spearhead Villa’s attack as he hopes to make an impact in midweek. Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey and Lamare Bogarde could get chances in the second half.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup vs Club Brugge