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The Belgian side will find it challenging to halt Unai Emery’s men in the Champions League.
Time & Venue
- Time: 17:45 GMT, November 6
- Venue: Jan Breydelstadion
Form
Under Unai Emery’s guidance, Aston Villa has made an impressive start to their Champions League campaign with three consecutive wins without conceding a goal. The English side has claimed victories over Young Boys (3-0), Bayern Munich (1-0), and Bologna (2-0).
With a perfect 9 points, Aston Villa is one of only two teams, along with Liverpool, to have achieved this record after three rounds. However, their form has slightly dipped in the Premier League with a 1-4 loss to Tottenham and a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup.
Conversely, Club Brugge has struggled in the Champions League after making a successful run to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season. They have lost to Dortmund (0-3) and AC Milan (1-3), managing only a single win against Sturm Graz (1-0). Domestically, Brugge has maintained good form, winning four of their last five Belgian league matches, though they sit seven points behind leaders Genk.
Team News
Aston Villa
Villa has a nearly complete squad available. Emery must decide between Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins at striker, with Duran showing impressive scoring form in the Champions League. Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara have returned after long-term injuries, though Kamara may need more time to regain full fitness.
Midfielder Ross Barkley remains injured and will miss this match. The midfield will likely be managed by the duo of Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana.
Club Brugge
Club Brugge faces lineup issues as Raphael Onyedika is suspended following a red card against AC Milan. Gustaf Nilsson, who recently returned from injury and scored in his last appearance, may miss this game due to a recurring injury.
Manager Nicky Hayen may turn to Romeo Vermant or Ferran Jutgla up front, while captain Hans Vanaken will lead the midfield. Veteran goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, with extensive European experience, will command Brugge’s defense.
Statistics
History does not favor Club Brugge against English clubs, as they have failed to win in their last 14 matches against Premier League teams, with 11 losses and only 3 draws.
Brugge’s Champions League campaign this season has also shown defensive vulnerabilities, with six goals conceded in three games.
In contrast, Aston Villa has kept clean sheets in all three opening group-stage games, a rare accomplishment in the competition’s history.
Villa also boasts solid away form, with five wins and just one loss in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Analysis
With superior quality and consistent Champions League form, Aston Villa is expected to have a smooth outing at Jan Breydelstadion. Although Club Brugge has the home advantage and a strong domestic record, Villa’s sharp attack may pose a significant challenge for the Belgian side.
Brugge’s defense has appeared weak, conceding six goals in the first three group-stage games, while Villa’s counter-attacking play is both precise and effective.
While Brugge might create some challenges for Villa, their chances of keeping a clean sheet against an in-form Villa side seem low. The visitors could secure a narrow win, further solidifying their lead in the group and moving closer to a knockout-stage spot.
Predicted Score (per Sportsmole): Club Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa