After producing one of the most memorable results in modern UEFA Champions League (UCL) history in the last round, Viking look to follow it up when they visit Aston Villa.
Match News and Current Form
Unai Emery looks to have helped his Villa side turn a corner as he guided them to a 1-0 away win against Newcastle to make it five competitive games unbeaten (W4, D1), although that was just their second league win of the campaign. The UCL has brought about better fortunes for Villa, who have a 100% winning record in this competition this season (W2) following last week’s 6-0 demolition of Fenerbahçe. Positivity could continue to flow here as a victory would see them become the second-quickest side in European Cup/UCL history to reach 20 wins in the competition behind the great Real Madrid, while the chance to post four successive wins in Europe’s premier competition should provide further incentive.
Written off by almost everyone, Viking defied the odds to secure a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich on matchday two. With momentum behind them, they went on to beat Fredrikstad 3-2 in the Eliteserien over the weekend as they continue to go toe-to-toe with Bodø/Glimt in the title race, but they’ll have to park their domestic ambitions for a while here as they bid to snap their 100% losing record in European Cup/UCL away action. Only Tirana (eight games) have ever played more such away games while losing every time, an unwanted feat Viking look likely to equal here if Norwegian sides’ previous away record away to English opponents in European competition is anything to go by (D2, L26).
Head-to-Head History
Villa have a 100% winning record against Norwegian opposition, while Viking’s only prior visit to English shores ended in defeat.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Villa’s last eight competitive home games produced at least four yellow cards.
Six of Villa’s last seven UCL matches featured over 3.5 goals.
Only six teams attempted fewer shots than Viking across the first two UCL rounds.
Six of Viking’s last seven competitive outings produced over 2.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham could make a late impact, having scored the final goal of the game after the 85th minute in his last three home scoring appearances. Viking’s Erik Botheim scored three of his last four European goals in away action, with his last four goals at club level arriving before half-time.
Johan Manzambi and Aaron Wan-Bissaka picked up injuries in Villa’s win over Newcastle, while Viking look to be at full strength.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Viking may have caught the eye last week, but an away game represents an entirely different proposition, so an in-form Villa to win by 2+ goals may be a good shout.
Author: Chris Wilson