The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League Round of 16 between Club Brugge (Belgium) and Aston Villa (England) will take place on March 4 at the Jan Breydel Stadium. Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Club Brugge
In the previous round, Nicky Hayen's side emerged victorious over Atalanta on aggregate. Club Brugge first won at home with a score of 2-1 and then secured their success in the return leg away (3-1). As a result, the club achieved two consecutive victories for the first time in this season's Champions League. Notably, the Belgians reached the knockout stage from 24th place in the overall phase, collecting 11 points and scoring just seven goals.
- The club has not lost in regular time in their last four home matches in the Champions League (3 wins, 1 draw).
- Both opponents have scored in 5 of the team's last 6 encounters in this European competition.
- At least three goals have been scored in regular time in 4 of Club Brugge's last 5 matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Joel Ordonez, Kyran Sabbe – Raphael Onyedika, Ardon Jashari, Hans Vanaken – Ferran Jutgla, Chemsdine Talbi, Christos Tzolis.
Defenders Joaquin Syes and Bjorn Meijer are out due to injuries.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery's side skipped the playoff round. In the last round of the overall phase, Aston Villa defeated Celtic at home with a score of 4-2, securing their fifth victory in the current Champions League campaign. This result allowed the club to maintain a top-8 position in the standings and advance directly to the Round of 16. Notably, during the overall phase, the English team conceded only six goals, bettered only by three other teams.
- At least one of the opponents did not score in regular time in 6 of the team's last 8 Champions League matches.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 5 of the club's last 7 encounters in this European competition.
- The English side has not led at halftime in their last seven Champions League matches (6 draws, 1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez – Ezri Konsa, Ian Maatsen, Tyrone Mings, Matty Cash – John McGinn, Youri Tielemans – Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, Marco Asensio – Ollie Watkins.
Midfielders Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana are out due to injuries.
Referee
Joao Pinheiro (Portugal)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 32;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 25%.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Match Prediction
The Belgian side's success in the current Champions League campaign is directly linked to their strong performances in home matches. Over four home games in the overall phase, Club Brugge collected seven points, suffering only one defeat – against Borussia Dortmund. Additionally, in the playoff round against Atalanta, the team started with a home victory. It's also worth noting that in this Champions League, the club has already faced Aston Villa at home and won 1-0.
The English team performed strongly in the overall phase, but their away matches have not been impressive. Besides the aforementioned match against Club Brugge, the team also suffered a setback in an away game against Monaco (0-1). They only managed to win against two clubs that struggled in the tournament – Young Boys (last place) and Leipzig (32nd position). Additionally, Aston Villa has lost their last two matches in the Premier League.
I believe the home advantage will help the Belgians put up a strong fight against the English side. My prediction: Club Brugge to win or draw
