The Champions League clash between Aston Villa and Juventus promises to be a fascinating encounter at Villa Park tonight. While Villa seeks to reclaim their early-season form, Juve will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the competition and solidify their place in the knockout rounds.
With both sides managing injuries to key players, the starting lineups are likely to reflect a blend of strategic adjustments and tactical experimentation this evening.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa has been a revelation in their maiden Champions League campaign, boasting a strong home record. However, recent setbacks in both domestic and European competitions raise questions about their consistency.
Meanwhile, Juventus, under Thiago Motta, will rely on their resolute defence and tactical discipline to navigate this challenging away fixture.
Aston Villa Team News
Despite injuries to Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana, Aston Villa’s squad depth allows for several viable options. Boubacar Kamara and Ezri Konsa are expected to return to the fold, providing much-needed stability in midfield and defence.
Ollie Watkins, a key contributor in Villa’s European success so far this season, is set to lead the line, supported by an attacking trio of Leon Bailey, John McGinn, and rising talent Morgan Rogers.
The defensive quartet of Matty Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne will likely shield Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Youri Tielemans and Ross Barkley orchestrating the midfield.
Emery’s side will aim to leverage their home advantage and Emery's European nous against a tactically rigid Juventus.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup to face Juventus
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Barkley, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Here is how the side last lined up
Juventus Team News
Juventus, still without strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik, might deploy a strikerless formation, utilising wingers and midfielders in more advanced roles.
Timothy Weah could spearhead a dynamic front three alongside Kenan Yildiz. In midfield, Teun Koopmeiners and Manuel Locatelli will be pivotal, offering creativity and defensive cover.
The backline, featuring Federico Gatti and Andrea Cambiaso, will protect Michele Di Gregorio between the posts. Despite several injuries, Juventus’ defensive organisation and compact midfield could pose a stern challenge for Villa.
Juventus Predicted Lineup
Di Gregorio; Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Weah
Aston Villa 
Juventus 
