Aston Villa are facing the challenge of a European gauntlet as they look to break their winless streak against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Villa started the season strongly, aiming to build on last season’s top-four finish. However, recent performances have seen them stumble, with fatigue from their European commitments playing a significant role. The team has been struggling with injuries, particularly in midfield, leaving them vulnerable. They have not secured a win since a 2-0 triumph over Bologna in the Champions League over a month ago, resulting in a six-match winless run. Despite this, they currently sit eighth in the Champions League standings, with the possibility of advancing to the Round of 16 if they can turn their form around soon.
Juventus, sitting just behind Villa in the standings at 11th, are also dealing with their own struggles. Following a victory over RB Leipzig, they have managed only three wins in their last nine fixtures, hampered by numerous injuries. Young Dutch right-back Lamare Bogarde, who started in the last match against Crystal Palace, was replaced by the more experienced Matty Cash for this encounter. On the injury front, Ezri Konsa is on the bench due to a hip issue, and Jacob Ramsey is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn are set to start in the midfield.
The confirmed starting lineup for Aston Villa in a 4-2-3-1 formation includes E. Martinez in goal, with Cash, Carlos, Torres, and Digne in defense. The midfield features Bailey, Kamara, and Tielemans, while Rogers and McGinn support Watkins in attack.
In terms of substitutes, Villa will have Konsa, Mings, Barkley, Duran, Buendia, Gauci, Philogene, Nedeljkovic, Maatsen, Olsen, and Bogarde available. The injured players for Villa include Konsa, Ramsey, and Onana, while there are no suspensions.
Juventus are facing significant injury issues as well, with Brazilian defender Bremer out for a lengthy period due to an ACL tear. Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik is close to returning but won’t be ready for this match. Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez are also absent due to thigh issues, while star striker Dusan Vlahovic is sidelined with a muscle injury, leading to Tim Weah taking the role of center-forward.
Juventus’ lineup features Di Gregorio in goal, Savona, Gatti, Kalulu, and Cambiaso in defense, and Locatelli and Thuram in midfield, with Conceicao, Koopmeiners, and Yildiz supporting Weah in attack. The injured players for Juventus include Bremer, Gonzalez, Douglas Luiz, Vlahovic, and McKennie, with no suspensions reported.
As both teams prepare to clash, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Aston Villa can reclaim their winning form or if Juventus can capitalize on Villa’s struggles.
