Overview
After a series of 6 unknown opening matches won in all competitions (3 draws, 3 losses) at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, Aston Villa has regained their spirit with 2 consecutive home wins in just 3 days, against Bologna and Fulham.
Captain John McGinn became the biggest inspiration, scoring the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Bologna in the Europa League. He continued to score with Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia to help Villa come back to defeat Fulham 3-1 in the Premier League last weekend.
Although admitting that the team lacked the inherent confidence in the early stages, coach Unai Emery affirmed that his students are improving step by step. The important victory over Fulham not only helped Villa relieve pressure but also helped them escape the relegation zone.
Villa will now aim for their first trip to the Europa League (formerly UEFA Cup) since a 2-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow in February 2009 under Martin O'Neill. In the European arena, the Birmingham representative has a rather erratic record with a streak of 7 consecutive away matches with consecutive wins and losses. The most recent defeat was against defending Champions League champions PSG in April.
However, they have reason to be confident when facing Feyenoord. Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Dutch sides in Europe (W4 D1) - their longest unbeaten run against opponents from the same country.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord have had an impressive start to the domestic league this season. They have won 19/21 maximum points after the first 7 rounds at Eredivisie, taking the lead in the group, 3 points ahead of defending champion PSV Eindhoven.
Feyenoord just won a hard-fought 1-0 away win over Groningen last week, thanks to a second-half goal by the in-form striker Ayase Ueda. Four days earlier, they lost 0-1 at Braga in their Europa League opener, with just one shot on target.
away from home in the Europa League, Feyenoord have a modest record in their last 20 matches, having won just once (D7 L12). However, the Dutch team has been more impressive at home, with a series of 6 recent unbeaten matches. They scored an average of 3 goals per match, before entering the match against Aston Villa.
Coach Robin van Persie has scored 8 goals against Aston Villa in his illustrious career at Arsenal and Manchester United. However, Feyenoord have struggled against English sides in recent years. They have won just eight of their 28 meetings in Europe (D6 L14). Notably, all 8 of those victories took place at home.
Personnel situation
Feyenoord defender Malcolm Jeng is at risk of a long-term absence after undergoing surgery on his right leg injury.
For Aston Villa, midfielder John McGinn will be assessed before the match starts. He admitted after the win over Fulham that he had considered leaving the pitch in the first half because he "couldn't run normally".
Expected lineup:
Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Nieuwkoop, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Bos, Timber, targhalline, Borges, Steijn, Diarra, Ueda.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, McGinn, Kamara, Guessand, Rogers, Sancho, Watkins.
The match between Feyenoord and Aston Villa takes place at 2:00 am on October 3 (Vietnam time).
