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Match Preview
Aston Villa need a win if they are to squeeze into the top eight spots that will guarantee automatic qualification into the Champions League round of 16.
A victory for Unai Emery’s men would mean they could catch Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen depending on how they fare on Matchday Eight. Europa League winners Atalanta look to have the toughest assignment as they visit Barcelona.
Emery says he will be keeping one eye on matters elsewhere but his main focus will be soaking up the atmosphere on what will be a raucous night at Villa Park.
The Spaniard said: “Of course I want to be in the top eight. Last week I was a bit pessimistic, after the match against Monaco, but overall we are doing a fantastic way. It’s not in our hands but other teams as well have to win tomorrow and I want to play the match, enjoy it with our supporters. We are excited and motivated. The players are enjoying it in the Champions League.
“At the end of the match we will watch the other results.”
Celtic will certainly be no pushovers. Brendan Rodgers’ side have lost just once since October 1 in all competitions, a 3-0 defeat to Old Firm rivals Rangers.
They have also made huge improvements on the road from a defensive perspective. After a 7-1 thrashing at Borussia Dortmund they have ground out successive goalless draws at Atalanta and Dinamo Zagreb.
🗣️ The Boss on our opponents: “They have very experienced players, international players and are going to play tomorrow here feeling confident. The club is a prestigious club and the players feel they are a team to play in Europe, the Champions League.” pic.twitter.com/Zrfb9UPmk8
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 28, 2025
Team News
Villa have an issue at centre-half with Tyrone Mings fighting to be fit. The England international sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s draw with West Ham and had to limp off in the first half.
With Diego Carlos having left and Pau Torres injured, Emery will be desperate for Mings to pull through. If he doesn’t his options are to play untried youngster Lamare Bogarde or shift Lucas Digne from left-back into the centre.
Scotland midfielder John McGinn is expected to return to the starting line-up.
Celtic are definitely without the suspended Daizen Maeda after his red card in the win over Young Boys last week.
James Forrest is doubtful due to a foot injury. New signing Jota is ineligible.
Expected line-ups
Aston Villa: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Ramsey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Celtic: Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kühn, Idah, Paulo Bernardo
The Stats
- In 8 of the last 10 Aston Villa matches the total number of goals was over 2.5
- In 7 of the last 9 Aston Villa home matches the total number of goals was over 2.5
- Aston Villa have won 4 of their last 5 home matches while scoring less than 2.5 goals
- Celtic have lost 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League while scoring less than 1.5 goals
- In 7 of the last 9 Celtic matches the total number of goals was over 2.5
How to watch on TV & stream
All 18 Champions League matches are live on TNT Sports and Discovery + in the UK. Viewers can stream via the Discovery + app.
Prediction
As always when a Scottish side travel south, they will be motivated to cause an upset and bloody the nose of their Premier League opponents.
However, the fact that Celtic have little to play for – other than a seeding in the playoff round, and the value of that is questionable – could give the home side the edge.
Add in the fact Villa have a deeper squad and more options if they need to chase the game late on.
Celtic will be competitive but we fancy Villa to get the job done and nudge their way into the top eight at the expense of Atalanta.
Aston Villa 2-1 Celtic
