Prior to last week's first leg, Villa had won just one of five clashes with Belgian opposition. Club Brugge have lost their last six visits in England, never winning on English soil in 16 attempts.
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Preview
Following last Tuesday's first leg at Jan Breydelstadion, it's Aston Villa who are in the catbird seat to advance. Eight nights ago, Leon Bailey's sweetly struck strike broke the deadlock in West Flanders, only for Maxim De Cuyper to hit-back straight away. 1-1 it remained until eight minutes from time when Matty Cash's cross was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Brandon Mechele. Then, right at the end, Villa were awarded a spot-kick, cooly converted by Marco Asensio, thereby establishing a seemingly unassailable 3-1 advantage.
This is, of course, Aston Villa's first Champions League campaign since 1982/83, back when they were holders, most-notably beating Bayern Munich during the league phase, finishing eighth. Meantime, in the Premier League, Unai Emery's team moved up to seventh at the weekend, with Ollie Watkins the only scorer, against his former side, as the Claret and Blue Army defeated Brentford. Now though, will the Villans complete the job, thereby setting up a Champions League quarter-final date with Liverpool?
As for Club Brugge, having battered Atalanta in the previous round, this is their second appearance in the last 16 in just three seasons. Prior to this, the Blue-Blacks hadn't got this far since 1978, beaten in the final by Liverpool back then. Nicky Hayen's team will travel to the Midlands in high-spirits, following Sunday's 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Cercle Brugge, after which Ardon Jashari planted a flag in the centre circle in celebration. Now, Brugge must achieve something they've never done before; win on English soil. As a result, most expect the home side will progress at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Aston Villa Wins: 1. Draws: 0. Club Brugge Wins: 1.
Aston Villa Team News
Neither Emi Martínez nor Marco Asensio traveled to West London at the weekend, Robin Olsen deputising for the former, but both are expected to be fit in time for this one.
Meantime, both Andrés García and Donyell Malen are now in the UEFA squad, while Amadou Onana remains injured, but fit again Pau Torres, John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara could all feature, the Spanish centre-back yet to step on the field in 2025 due to a metatarsal fracture.
Lucas Digne and Kamara would miss the first leg of a prospective quarter-final if cautioned.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Club Brugge: (4-3-3): Martínez; Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn, Asensio, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Club Brugge
Marcus Rashford is yet to score in eight appearances for Aston Villa, but has netted 26 times in UEFA competitions in his career, including 12 in the Champions League.
Club Brugge Team News
Nicky Hayen named an unchanged lineup from the first leg compared to Sunday's derby win, so could deploy the same lineup again. Captain Hans Vanaken, who scored at the weekend, will make his 50th Champions League appearance for the club in midfield.
Joaquin Seys, Hugo Vetlesen, Raphael Onyedika, Michał Skóraś and Christos Tzolis are all one caution away from a ban, albeit it would require a miraculous Brugge comeback for that to matter.
Club Brugge predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-3-3): Mignolet; Sabbe, Mechele, Ordóñez, De Cuyper; Jashari, Onyedika, Vanaken; Talbi, Tzolis, Jutglà.
Club Brugge Player to Watch vs Aston Villa
Teenager Chemsdine Talbi might be Brugge's highest-rated talent, bagging a brace in Bergamo last month, so could he be the hero in Birmingham this time?
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Prediction
We're fully expecting Aston Villa to cruise through to the quarter-finals. Emery's team already boast a first leg lead, but we're focasting another Villa victory here: Aston Villa 2-1 Club Brugge.
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge FAQs - Champions League
How to watch Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Champions League game on TV channel?
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Champions League game on live streaming?
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Champions League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Aston Villa vs Club Brugge in the Champions League?
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge takes place on Wednesday 29 January 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).