Check expert analysis of Young Boys vs Aston Villa including their h2h, Prediction, Team News, Lineups and Injury updates.
As Aston Villa make their highly anticipated return to European football, they are set to face Swiss champions Young Boys in the opening game of their Champions League campaign. This match marks the first competitive meeting between the two sides and is a significant event for both teams, especially with Aston Villa returning to UEFA’s elite competition for the first time in over 40 years.
RELATED:Â Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven H2H, Prediction, Team News, Lineups & Injury Updates
Young Boys, who have established themselves as regulars in the Champions League, will be eager to kickstart their campaign after a challenging start to their domestic season. Villa, on the other hand, enter this fixture brimming with confidence after a solid start in the Premier League under the leadership of Unai Emery.
Let’s dive deeper into the key aspects of this match, including head-to-head records, predictions, team news, lineups, and injury updates.
Match Summary
- Match: Young Boys vs Aston Villa
- Date of Match: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Venue: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland
- Kickoff Time: 17:45 (UK time)
- Stage: Group Stage – Matchday 1
Young Boys vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Aston Villa and Young Boys. Although the two teams have not faced each other in the past, both clubs have some experience against clubs from the other’s country.
- Aston Villa: This is Villa’s third appearance in the UEFA Champions League, having last competed in Europe’s top tournament in 1982 when they famously won the European Cup.
- Young Boys: They are familiar with English opposition, having previously defeated Manchester United in the 2021 Champions League group stage. However, they have struggled overall against teams from England.
Young Boys vs Aston Villa Match Preview
Aston Villa
After decades away from the Champions League, Aston Villa’s return to the tournament is a momentous occasion for the club. Led by Unai Emery, Villa secured a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, ensuring their place in Europe’s premier club competition. Their 1982 European Cup victory remains a highlight of the club’s history, and they will be eager to add more memorable moments to their European journey.
Villa’s current form is impressive, with the team winning three of their first four Premier League matches this season. Their recent 3-2 victory over Everton, where Ollie Watkins netted twice and Jhon Duran scored a spectacular winner, showcased their attacking prowess.
However, their European away form raises concerns. Villa have managed only two wins in their last 11 European away matches, including a heavy defeat to Olympiacos that led to their exit from the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season.
Young Boys
Young Boys, the reigning Swiss champions, have consistently performed well in Europe over recent years. Having progressed through the Champions League qualifying rounds, they secured their place in the group stage by defeating Galatasaray in both legs of their playoff. This marks their fourth group stage appearance in six years.
Despite their European success, Young Boys have struggled domestically this season, sitting at the bottom of the Swiss Super League table. They have yet to win a league match and have conceded an average of three goals per game in their first six fixtures. However, they are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, and they will look to carry that momentum into their clash with Villa.
Young Boys vs Aston Villa Prediction
Given both teams’ contrasting fortunes in their respective leagues, this match could go either way. While Aston Villa boast a strong squad and are in good form, their away record in Europe leaves room for doubt. Young Boys, although struggling domestically, have shown resilience in European competition.
- Prediction: Young Boys 2-2 Aston Villa
Both teams are likely to push for a win, but a draw seems a fair result considering Villa’s lack of European away success and Young Boys’ improving form.
Young Boys vs Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has a few key players unavailable due to injury. Leon Bailey (hamstring) and Matty Cash (thigh) are both set to miss the match, which could force Emery to rotate his squad. Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are back in training but are unlikely to feature in this game.
However, Villa’s attacking options remain strong, with Ollie Watkins leading the line. Watkins scored five goals in last season’s Europa Conference League and will be key to Villa’s success. Jhon Duran has also proven to be a valuable asset off the bench, scoring three winners this season.
Young Boys
Young Boys are expected to rely heavily on striker Silvere Ganvoula, who has been in fine form, scoring three goals in the Swiss Super League. He will be competing with Cedric Itten, Darian Males, and Meschak Elia for a place in the starting lineup. Alan Virginius, on loan from Lille, was instrumental in their playoff win over Galatasaray and could play a crucial role in this match.
Goalkeeper David von Ballmoos has returned from injury and will take his place between the posts, while Swiss winger Joel Monteiro offers another attacking option for coach Patrick Rahmen.
Possible Lineups
Young Boys Starting Lineup:
- GK: David von Ballmoos
- DEF: Quentin Maceiras, Cedric Zesiger, Mohamed Camara, Noah Loosli
- MID: Fabian Rieder, Sandro Lauper, Filip Ugrinic
- FWD: Meschak Elia, Cedric Itten, Alan Virginius
Aston Villa Starting Lineup:
- GK: Emiliano Martinez
- DEF: Kosta Nedeljkovic, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen
- MID: John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey
- FWD: Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran, Aaron Ramsey
Injuries and Suspensions
- Aston Villa: Leon Bailey (hamstring), Matty Cash (thigh), Tyrone Mings, and Boubacar Kamara (long-term injuries)
- Young Boys: No major injury concerns.
FAQs
- When is Young Boys vs Aston Villa scheduled?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 2024, at 8:00 PM (UK time). - Where will the match be played?
The match will take place at Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Switzerland. - Who are Aston Villa’s key players?
Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran are crucial in Aston Villa’s attack, while Emiliano Martinez anchors the defense. - How have Young Boys performed in Europe?
Young Boys have reached the Champions League group stage four times in the last six years and have had mixed success in European competition. - What is Aston Villa’s European history?
Aston Villa are the 1982 European Cup winners, returning to the Champions League after a 41-year absence. - What are Young Boys’ key strengths?
Young Boys possess a strong forward line, with Silvere Ganvoula and Meschak Elia providing the firepower. - What injuries affect Aston Villa’s lineup?
Leon Bailey and Matty Cash are expected to miss the match due to injury. - What is Young Boys’ recent form like?
Despite a poor start domestically, Young Boys are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions. - What was Aston Villa’s recent result?
Aston Villa came from behind to win 3-2 against Everton in their latest Premier League match. - What is the prediction for Young Boys vs Aston Villa?
A 2-2 draw is the predicted outcome, considering both teams’ form and Villa’s struggle in European away games.
