Overview
Club Brugge have had an emotional journey to participate in this year's Champions League knockout round. After passing the group stage with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, they surprised Atalanta - the Europa League champions - with a total score of 5-2 in the play-off round.
Under the leadership of coach Nicky Hayen, Club Brugge has a disciplined playing style, combining tight defense and sharp counter-attacks.
However, Club Brugge are in disappointing form in the Belgian national championship with 2 draws and 1 loss in the past time. This raises many concerns when they have to face Aston Villa, a team in good form in the Champions League.
Aston Villa is one of the 8 best teams in the group stage with 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses, thereby winning a direct ticket to the round of 16. With the experience of "captain" Unai Emery, Aston Villa did not show their immaturity in their first appearance in the Champions League in 41 years.
But like Club Brugge, Aston Villa are not at their best. In the last 5 matches, they have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1. Aston Villa often play well against stronger teams, but play poorly against opponents who are rated as underrated.
The loss to Club Brugge in the group stage was the clearest proof of this. Brugge dominated the game and created many opportunities, even though they only took advantage of them once.
Despite having a quality squad and Emery's experience in the European arena, unstable performance away from home can cause Aston Villa difficulties. However, in the opposite direction, Club Brugge will find it difficult to overwhelm their opponents even though they are playing at home. It is likely that the next match will end in a draw.
The League Phase clash at the start of the season was the first time the two teams have met in history. Notably, Villa did not have a good record against their Belgian opponents, winning only 1 of 5 matches and losing 3.
Personnel situation
Key defender Raphael Onyedika is still uncertain to play for Club Brugge after missing the draw with Gent. Greek midfielder Christos Tzolis will return to the national team after being banned from playing in the country.
On the other side of the front line, Aston Villa are skeptical about the ability to play of Tyrone Mings, Matty Cash and Ross Barkley. Meanwhile, Pau Torres and Amadou Onana were ruled out. Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia are not on the squad for the European Cup, so they will be absent.
Expected lineup:
Brugge: Mignolet, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Seys, Vetlesen, Vanaken, Jashari, Talbi, Tzolis, Jutgla.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Konsa, Kamara, Digne, Bogarde, McGinn, Tielemans, Rashford, Asensio, Rogers, Watkins.
The match between Club Brugge and Aston Villa takes place at 0:45 am on March 5 (Vietnam time).
