Aston Villa host Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League League Stage on Wednesday evening. The match at Villa Park kicks off at 20:00 local time as Villa look to build momentum in Europe.
The side currently sits 16th in the Premier League with five points from six games. Their most recent outing was a 2-2 home draw with Brentford, where Jackson and McGinn found the net. That result extended their recent form to three wins, one draw, and one loss across all competitions. In the Champions League, Villa's opening League Stage match ended in a 2-1 defeat away to Juventus, with their goal scored in the 53rd minute by Ollie Watkins.
Team news and form
Villa's last starting lineup featured Suzuki in goal behind a back four of Cash, Lindelof, Mings, and Ruggeri. The midfield was anchored by Kamara and Joao Gomes, with captain McGinn, Buendia, and Manzambi supporting striker Jackson. Manager Unai Emery reported that midfielder Douglas Luiz is a doubt for the match due to a minor thigh strain.
Fenerbahçe arrive in strong form, having won their last Süper Lig match 3-0 away to Rizespor. Their likely lineup includes experienced figures like Ederson in goal, Skriniar and Ake in central defence, with N'Golo Kanté and Guendouzi in midfield. The Turkish side began their European campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sporting CP, with all four goals coming in a dominant first half.
The challenge ahead
This European fixture offers a different test for Aston Villa as they handle a busy schedule. Their next Premier League assignment is a trip to face 11th-placed Newcastle United on Saturday. The full run of upcoming games is available on our fixtures page.
With key players returning to fitness and the team showing attacking promise, the focus is on securing a positive result at Villa Park. The club's European campaign continues with this key League Stage encounter under the lights on Wednesday night.
