Match Preview for Aston Villa v Younger Boys
Aston Villa return to European obligation on Thursday with an opportunity to take a serious step towards automated last-16 development.
Kind is lastly flowing by means of Unai Emery’s facet after a tough opening spell to the season, and Villa Park has develop into a tough place for any visiting facet to navigate.
It’s simply over a 12 months since these two final met, when Villa eased to a 3-0 win in Bern throughout their earlier European marketing campaign. This time, the context is barely totally different – Villa are jostling close to the highest of the Europa League standings, whereas Younger Boys are battling however nonetheless very a lot alive within the race for the knockout rounds.
Villa’s marketing campaign opened slowly, however Emery has steadied the ship impressively. A run of 9 wins in 11 throughout all competitions has reignited perception, with latest league kind capped by a 2-1 away win at Leeds.
In Europe, Villa sit sixth after 4 fixtures – 3 wins and 1 defeat – and confidence will likely be excessive. They’ve gained 14 of their final 16 dwelling matches in all competitions, and no membership in Europe has extra dwelling wins (12) for the reason that begin of the 2023-24 season, excluding qualifying rounds.
Younger Boys, in the meantime, have taken a blended route by means of their marketing campaign. A harsh 4-1 defeat to Panathinaikos set them again early, however wins over FCSB and Ludogorets confirmed what they’re able to.
A heavy 4-0 loss at PAOK final day trip halted that momentum, however they continue to be solely 3 factors behind Villa within the League Part desk.
Staff information for Aston Villa v Younger Boys
Villa are nonetheless with out Tyrone Mings and Andres Garcia, whereas Amadou Onana will likely be monitored after lacking the win at Leeds. Ross Barkley, added to the European squad in Mings’ place, may characteristic from the beginning, doubtlessly alongside Lamare Bogarde in midfield.
Donyell Malen is pushing for an additional European begin after scoring within the 2-0 win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv, and rotation may see him most popular to Ollie Watkins up high. Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres stay the seemingly core at centre-back forward of Emiliano Martinez.
Younger Boys will journey with out Armin Gigovic on account of suspension and are additionally lacking Edimilson Fernandes, Zachary Athekame and Facinet Conte by means of harm.
Ryan Andrews, signed from Watford, might get the nod over Saidy Janko at right-back, whereas Rayan Raveloson and Jaouen Hadjam each begin the match one yellow card away from suspension.
Chris Bedia – 14 targets in 21 appearances this season – ought to as soon as once more lead the assault, supported by Christian Fassnacht who has hit double figures himself.
Anticipated line-ups for Aston Villa v Younger Boys
Aston Villa: Martinez; Lindelof, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Bogarde, Barkley; Guessand, Rogers, Sancho; Malen
Younger Boys: Keller; Andrews, Lauper, Shoulder, Hadjam; Raveloson, Pech; Fascinating, Sanches, Virgin; Bedia
Methods to watch Aston Villa v Younger Boys: TV channel, on-line stream
Aston Villa v Younger Boys will kick-off at 17:45 GMT and is accessible to observe on TNT Sports activities 2. Followers within the UK may also catch the sport on the invention+ app.
The stats for Aston Villa v Younger Boys
Villa have gained 14 of their final 16 matches at dwelling in all competitions
Younger Boys have conceded 10 targets of their first 4 Europa League video games – probably the most within the competitors thus far
Villa have gained all 5 European dwelling video games in 2025
Younger Boys have by no means gained away to English opposition in European soccer
Chris Bedia has scored 14 targets in 21 outings this season
Villa have 3 wins from 4 Europa League matches and sit solely 3 factors off high spot
Prediction
Aston Villa
3
–
1
Younger Boys
Aston Villa’s kind at Villa Park is tough to argue towards, particularly with confidence returning throughout the squad. Younger Boys pose a risk in assault however stay weak defensively, and that imbalance may value them towards a facet thriving at dwelling.
Guess Right here



























Arsenal















































