Young Boys are making their return to the Champions League after a year away, aiming to push forward and secure qualification to the knockout stage.
The Swiss champions, who claimed their 17th title last season, have not started their domestic campaign in the best form. Heading into the international break, Young Boys had a string of three consecutive draws—against Lausanne (1-1), Yverdon (2-2), and Zürich (2-2)—leaving them winless in the league so far, with three losses and three draws.
Despite their domestic struggles, Young Boys showed a different side in the Champions League qualifiers, overcoming Galatasaray with a 3-2 victory in the first leg and a 1-0 win in the return. Last weekend, they cruised through the Swiss Cup round of 16 with a 10-0 demolition of Printse-Nendaz.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, are looking to make an impact in this Champions League campaign after securing a strong fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season. Villa are also aiming to bounce back after losing in the Conference League final to Olympiakos.
This season, they have started reasonably well in the Premier League, securing away wins against West Ham (1-2) and Leicester (1-2), though they suffered a home defeat to Arsenal (0-2). Last weekend, Villa hosted Everton, hoping to kick-start their home form.
On the injury front, Young Boys will likely miss Conte, Janko, and young midfielder Lakomy, along with defender Patric Pfeiffer, who is on loan from Augsburg.
However, they can rely on key players such as Congolese international Ganvoula, who has netted three goals in four league matches, and striker Cédric Itten, who contributed 10 goals and 3 assists last season.
Swiss international Joel Monteiro has yet to find the back of the net this season, but remains a significant threat, having scored twice in the playoff win against Galatasaray.
For Aston Villa, Leon Bailey, who registered 10 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League last season, is sidelined after suffering an injury before the international break.
Villa’s injury list also includes Polish international Matty Cash, former Nantes player Diego Carlos, and key players Mings and Kamara. Emery, however, can count on Emiliano Martinez in goal, along with new signings Maatsen and Barkley.
Striker Ollie Watkins, who bagged 19 goals and 13 assists last season, is expected to lead the line, with Lucas Digne also standing out after a solid performance against Belgium. Midfielders Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are also expected to start.
Prediction
These two teams meet again in quick succession, and home advantage could play a decisive role.
Aston Villa have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their last six away games, while Young Boys have been solid at home, with five wins in their last seven top-flight matches.
Prediction: Young Boys 2 : 1 Aston Villa
