Aston Villa vs Celtic Preview, Prediction, Team News and Predicted Lineups 66n69

Ahead of the final week in the Champions League league phase, we have the Aston Villa vs Celtic preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups. 

Aston Villa vs Celtic Preview 1y4u2

The Villains suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Monaco in their last Champions League fixture, meaning they sit ninth in the table going into the final matchday.

One place outside of the automatic qualification spots means a win against Celtic would almost inevitably secure a place in the top eight and avoid the need of a play-off.

Unai Emery’s side also played out an underwhelming match in the Premier League, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at Villa Park.

As for Celtic, a late winner against Young Boys secured their place in the top 26 of the Champions League and will go into the play-offs to progress to the next round of the UCL.

However, it is a huge ask but a win over Aston Villa alongside results elsewhere going their way, could mean the Scottish side finish in the top eight and automatically qualify.

Neil Lennon’s side did not have a domestic fixture after their win over Young Boys meaning they will be fresh for the trip to Villa Park.

These two side have never met in a competitive fixture and the Scottish side come into the match on a better run of form after remaining unbeaten from their last six fixtures in all competitions.

Aston Villa vs Celtic Team News r4938

Unai Emery was handed a fresh injury concern during Villa’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, as Tyrone Mings had to be withdrawn with a knee injury in the first half.

With Diego Carlos leaving the club, it leaves an issue in the central defensive area and despite Mings confirming the injury was not a major one – Emery may be forced to use a makeshift central duo.

In better news, John McGinn returned to the squad against West Ham after a four match absence through injury and could feature against Celtic.

However, Pau Torres, Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana are all but certainly missing the European clash with injuries.

Celtic will not be able to call upon Daizen Maeda after his red card against Young Boys and Kyogo Furuhashi will not feature as the Japanese player is on the verge of g for Rennes.

The only major injury concerns are James Forrest and Odin Thiago Holm, who are recovering from foot and calf injuries respectively.

Aston Villa vs Celtic Predicted Lineups 3i1l69

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Digne, Maatsen; Tielemans, Kamara, Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Celtic: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Furuhashi

Aston Villa vs Celtic Prediction 573m6e

The Villains are heavy favourites on UK betting sites and should take full advantage of playing at Villa Park which has been a fortress in Europe.

With that in mind, we expect Unai Emery’s side to have enough quality on the pitch to secure the victory and possibly finish in the top eight of the UCL.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Celtic