Aston Villa welcome Young Boys on Europa League matchday five, looking to continue their excellent run of form (P11, W9, L2).
That stellar streak has seen the Villains bounce back from a deplorable start to the season.
Aston Villa are now up to fourth in the Premier League following an enthralling 2-1 comeback win at Leeds United over the weekend.
The Villains will be aiming to claim another victory on their march towards the Europa League knockout stage. Unai Emery’s side have secured three wins from four games.
They are in sixth place in the league phase and will be keen to hold on to that automatic round of 16 qualification spot with a win on home soil.
However, Young Boys, despite sitting in 22nd place, are no pushovers.
A win over Villa would draw them level on points with the English side and give them a shot at progressing to the round of 16.
Head-to-head & match stats
Villa locked horns with Young Boys in the Champions League last season, beating the Swiss team 3-0 in Bern.
They are the favourites to come out on top again. Villa have won all five of their home European matches in 2025, including three in the Champions League and two in the Europa League.
Since the start of 2023/24, Emery’s side has won more home European matches than any other club (12 in 14 games).
Young Boys have conceded 10 goals in their first four Europa League games, the most in the competition.
History is not on their side as they have never won away to English opposition in European football.
Aston Villa team news
Villa will be without Tyrone Mings and Andres Garcia, although the latter could be closing in on a comeback.
Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana missed the win over Leeds this weekend and will be assessed before the game.
The home team could use this opportunity to rest a few players, such as Ollie Watkins and John McGinn.
There could be rare outings for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott. The 22-year-old has struggled to get a look in.
In-form Donyell Malen could lead the line with Emery noting that he is ‘very motivated‘.
Ultimately, the Villains need to remain focused on securing three points against a dangerous team that will likely throw everything at them.
Aston Villa predicted starting line-up
(4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Victor Lindelof, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Lamare Bogarde, Ross Barkley; Evann Guessand, Morgan Rogers, Sancho; Donyell Malen.
