On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 5:45 pm UK time, Aston Villa will visit Young Boys in Bern for their opening match of the Champions League league phase. This marks Aston Villa’s return to the competition after 41 years, while Young Boys will aim to shake off their poor start in the Swiss Super League.
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The Significance of the Match
Aston Villa will want to start their Champions League campaign with a victory, especially as they face tougher group-stage fixtures later. For Young Boys, this is an opportunity to prove their mettle against a Premier League side. The hosts are in poor domestic form but have shown they can step up in European competition.
Venue and Time
- Location: Stadion Wankdorf, Bern
- Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 5:45 pm (UK time)
Team Analysis
Aston Villa’s Current Form
Aston Villa have made a strong start to the Premier League season, winning three of their first four games, including a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Everton last weekend. Unai Emery, a master tactician in European competition, will be eager to extend Villa’s good form into the Champions League.
Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran have been in excellent scoring form, and Villa’s defence, marshalled by Emiliano Martinez, has been solid. However, Villa’s struggles away from home in European competitions could be a cause for concern.
Key Player: Ollie Watkins
Watkins has been clinical in front of goal and his ability to score in key moments will be vital to Villa’s chances of success in Bern.
Team News
Villa have several injury concerns, with Leon Bailey and Matty Cash both sidelined. Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are back in training but unlikely to feature. Kosta Nedeljkovic and Ian Maatsen are pushing for starts in defence, while Jhon Duran could once again play an important role off the bench.
Probable Starting Lineup:
Martinez; Nedeljkovic, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Ramsey, Rogers; Watkins.
Young Boys’ Current Form
Young Boys have endured a poor start to the Swiss Super League season, failing to win any of their first six league matches. Despite their domestic struggles, Young Boys have looked sharper in European competition, beating Galatasaray in the Champions League playoffs to reach the group stage.
The hosts’ attack, led by Silvere Ganvoula, has shown glimpses of promise, and their home advantage could provide a boost against Villa. However, their defensive frailties have been exposed domestically, conceding three goals per game in their opening league fixtures.
Key Player: Silvere Ganvoula
Ganvoula has been the standout performer for Young Boys, scoring three of their seven league goals. His physical presence and eye for goal will be crucial against Villa’s backline.
Team News
David von Ballmoos has returned from injury and is expected to start in goal. Cedric Itten and Darian Males will provide attacking options, while Alan Virginius could be key after his decisive goal against Galatasaray.
Probable Starting Lineup:
Von Ballmoos; Blum, Camara, Zoukrou, Hadjam; Lauper, Niasse; Monteiro, Ugrinic, Colley; Ganvoula.
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Betting Tips and Predictions
Match Prediction
Aston Villa’s strong Premier League form makes them favourites for this encounter, but Young Boys will be motivated to take something from this home fixture.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Young Boys 1-2 Aston Villa.
Additional Betting Markets
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
Given Young Boys’ defensive struggles and Aston Villa’s attacking strength, both teams are likely to score. - Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Both teams are capable of scoring goals, and Villa’s attacking depth could lead to more than 2.5 goals in this match. - First Team to Score: Aston Villa
Villa’s firepower, led by Ollie Watkins, should see them strike first. - Ollie Watkins to Score Anytime:
Watkins has been in great form and is likely to add to his goal tally in this fixture.
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