Champions League: Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Picks — Visitors to Take a Draw Back to England? (Mar 4)

Business picks up in the Champions League this week, as the round of 16 gets underway.

Aston Villa have exceeded expectations in the competition to this point, and they will be widely expected to take a first-leg advantage back to Villa Park next week.

However, it is dangerous to underestimate Club Brugge, as they dominated their playoff tie against Atalanta in February. A repeat performance across two legs could make this a very tricky tie for the EPL side.

Odds

Brugge Chasing Second Straight Win Against Villa

Club Brugge will feel confident ahead of this showdown after already having claimed a win against Aston Villa in the Champions League this season. The Belgian side landed a 1-0 home win in the League Phase, and a repeat result would give them a healthy advantage for the second leg.

Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Key Stats

• Club Brugge are playing in the round of 16 in the Champions League for just the second time.
• Aston Villa will be playing their first knockout tie in the European Cup since 1982-83.
• Brugge’s 1-0 win against Villa this season is their only victory against an EPL team in 16 attempts.

Club Brugge Team News

The hosts will be without the influential Christos Tzolis this week. The attacking midfielder misses out due to suspension.

Possible Lineup

S. Mignolet (GK); J. Seys, J. Ordonez, B. Mechele, M. De Cuyper, R. Onyedika, A. Jashari, C. Taibi, H. Vanaken, H. Siquet, F. Jutgla

Aston Villa Team News

Emi Martinez is in a race against time to prove his fitness. Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, and Pau Torres are all likely to miss the first leg in Belgium.

Possible Lineup

R. Olsen (GK); A. Garcia, E. Konsa, A. Disasi, L. Digne, J. McGinn, Y. Tielemans, M. Rogers, M. Asensio, M. Rashford, O. Watkins

Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Picks

The first meeting between these sides was a cagey affair, with Club Brugge securing a win following the awarding of a controversial penalty.

Aston Villa will be keen to avoid defeat in this first leg, as they will be confident of gaining the win required back at home. Therefore, a low-scoring draw could be an interesting betting angle on Tuesday.