Young Boys are returning to the Champions League after a year away and are determined to push for qualification to the round of 16. The Bern-based club, who claimed their 17th Swiss championship title last season, hasn’t been in their best form in the domestic league.
Prior to the international break, Young Boys recorded three consecutive draws—against Lausanne (1-1), Yverdon (2-2), and Zürich (2-2). To make matters worse, they have yet to secure a victory in the league this season, with three defeats and three draws.
However, their European form has been much better, as they managed to eliminate Galatasaray in the Champions League playoff, winning 3-2 in the first leg and 1-0 in the return. Last weekend, they played in the Swiss Cup, comfortably defeating Printse-Nendaz 10-0 in the previous round and advancing to the 1/16th final with a win over Vevey.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery’s guidance, are also looking to make an impact in the Champions League after a strong fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season. They are aiming to bounce back from their Conference League final loss to Olympiakos.
Villa have started their Premier League campaign relatively well, with away wins over West Ham (1-2) and Leicester (1-2) before the international break, though they did suffer a 0-2 home defeat to Arsenal. Last weekend, they hosted Everton to get their season back on track.
Injury-wise, Young Boys may be without key players such as Conte, Janko, young midfielder Lakomy, and defender Patric Pfeiffer (on loan from Augsburg).
On a positive note, they can rely on Congolese international Ganvoula, who has scored three goals in four league matches, and striker Cédric Itten, who had 10 goals and 3 assists last season. Swiss international Joel Monteiro, who played a crucial role in the playoff win against Galatasaray, is another player to watch.
For Aston Villa, the absence of Leon Bailey, who had 10 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League last season, is a significant blow as he suffered an injury before the international break. Other notable injuries include Polish international full-back Matty Cash, former Nantes defender Diego Carlos, and key players Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara.
However, Emery can still count on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, new signings Maatsen (from Borussia Dortmund) and Barkley (from Luton), and star striker Ollie Watkins, who had 19 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League last season. Lucas Digne also impressed in his recent international outing against Belgium, alongside fellow internationals Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans, who are expected to feature.
Prediction
With these two teams meeting for the second time in quick succession, home advantage could play a crucial role.
Aston Villa have struggled on the road, failing to secure a win in their last six away games, while Young Boys have been strong at home, winning five of their last seven top-flight matches on their own turf.
Prediction: Young Boys 2 : 1 Aston Villa
