Finally the Villa boys have broken their duck in style right at home where they dismantled the Turkish side Fenerbahce with a massive 6-0 thrashing. Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley both grabbed braces while Joan Manzambi and Tammy Abraham chipped in with one each to leave the visitors shell shocked. This marks their first home win of the season and it comes at the perfect time as Unai Emery continues to steady the ship after a shaky start just like last campaign.
Team Form
The Villans are starting to find their rhythm week after week and this big victory should give them the belief they need to push for Champions League playoff spots. They have enough quality in the squad to pick up points against weaker sides and Viking fits that description perfectly. Meanwhile the Norwegian lads pulled off a historic 3-3 draw with Bayern at home after leading by two goals at half time but questions remain about whether they can repeat that magic twice in one week.
Tactical Analysis
- Villa boast strong attacking options with Jackson and Barkley in fine form while their midfield controls games better than most
- Viking rely on high energy and set piece threats but their league commitments in Norway against Bodo Glimt leave little room to rest key players
- Emery’s men have the depth to rotate and still dominate while the visitors may struggle with fatigue on the road
Against a side with limited European experience the home team should dictate play from the first whistle and create plenty of chances.
Betting Proposal
The types point to a comfortable home win and Villa look good to cover a big margin given their recent scoring spree and Viking’s packed schedule.
Aston Villa to win by three goals or more. Handicap 1 (-2.5) at odds of 2.30.
