Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Champions League

Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Preview

• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• Date: Thursday, 12 March
• Kick-Off Time: 08:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Villa Park

Aston Villa vs Club Brugges, the second leg of Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, will take place at the Villa Park on 12 March. Villa won the first leg by 1-3 and this second leg will be an exciting clash for sure.

Since the appointment of Unai Emery as the head coach of Aston Villa, they have been a different side altogether as they are punching above their weight and have signed some top quality players. They did lose to Club Brugge in the league phase of the Champions League this season, but they took the revenge in the first leg of Round of 16 as they defeated them at their home in a fantastic fashion. Emery has made sure that he keeps his players fit so that his team can keep a balance in performing at the top level in the Premier League as well as in Europe. Even though they have been inconsistent at times, they are still able to bounce back and show their quality. Despite having a two-goal lead and home advantage, they can't afford to take the Belgian team lightly at all. Villa will have to be at their best to progress into the next knockout round.

Not many people would have expected Club Brugge to reach this stage in the UEFA Champions League, but they did prove people wrong and performed well. They have already beaten the Emery side and will be confident going into the second leg for sure. Even though they are two goals behind, they are capable of turning around the situation. Nicky Hayen has managed the team very well and will hope that his players have a good day when they lock horns against Villa away from home. As an away team, it will not be an easy task for Club Brugge to get a positive result, but in football anything can happen. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Aston Villa Team News

Pau Torres could make his long-awaited return from injury. Donyell Malen is doubtful due to illness, Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana are both out injured. The rest of the players are fit to play.

Club Brugge Team News

For the away team, Raphael Onyedika is doubtful, none of their players are suspended for the upcoming fixture. The rest of the players are fit to play.

Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Defenders: Axel Disasi, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne

Midfielders: John McGinn, Youri Tielemans

Forwards: Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, Olli Watkins

Club Brugge Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet

Defenders: Kyriani Sabbe, Joel Ordonez, Brandon Mechele, Mazim Cuyper

Midfielders: Hugo Vetlesen, Ardon Jashari

Forwards: Chemsdine Talbi, Hans Vanaken, Christos Tzolis, Ferran Jutgla

Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have clashed only twice, Club Brugge won once and Aston Villa won once.

Key Players to watch in Aston Villa vs Club Brugge

Leon Bailey (Aston Villa)

Bailey's playing style is distinguished by his explosive pace, technical finesse and adaptability, which makes him a continuous threat on and off the field. He is equally competent on either flank, on the ball, he excels in one-on-one scenarios, out manoeuvring defenders with his dribbling ability, close control and fast directional adjustments. One of Bailey's greatest assets is his ability to keep control at high speeds, which allows him to drive at defence during counter attacks. The Jamaican winger's vision and poise enable him to pick out incisive passes or throw dangerous crosses into the box, making him an invaluable tool in creating opportunities. In 22 Premier League games, he scored one goal and provided two assists, in seven Champions League games he scored once.

Ferran Jutgla (Club Brugge)

Jutgla is the main focus of attack in Club Brugge, he prefers shooting on his right foot, he is not afraid to take shots on his weaker left foot. He likes to drift wide when his team is attacking and he likes to have freedom on the pitch. The Spaniard is a clinical finisher and does not need many opportunities to score. He is a striker who uses precision over power when it comes to shooting. Jutgla likes to strike the balls in the corner most of the time, and in set-pieces as well he can get away from the marker easily. Even though against Villa he hasn't performed that well, but considering his quality, he will be a big threat for the home team for sure. In 25 games in the Belgian Pro League he has scored five goals and in 11 games in the Champions League he scored two goals.

Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Prediction

In the same season, both teams faced each other twice, and the upcoming one will be the third time they face each other. Villa does have a good home record and will be confident of stopping Club Brugge to achieve their objective in the second leg. Most probably this fixture will end in a stalemate and by aggregate score Villa will go to the next knockout round.

Predicted Score: Aston Villa 1-1 Club Brugge

Where to Watch Aston Villa vs Club Brugge