Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Aston Villa hold the advantage after a solid first-leg performance in Belgium, while Club Brugge continue to struggle defensively, making this trip to Birmingham a daunting task.
Aston Villa
Their victory over Chelsea (2:1) in February showcased their offensive evolution, and since then, Aston Villa have been dominant, apart from a 4:1 blip away to Crystal Palace. Over the last five matches, they’ve secured four wins with a combined goal difference of 8:2. In the first leg at Jan Breydel Stadium, Aston Villa generated 1.27 xG, and Marco Asensio found the net for the fifth time since joining the club. Asensio will miss the return fixture due to injury, but with Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Leon Bailey supporting Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa’s attacking firepower remains strong.
Club Brugge
Club Brugge created just 1.05 xG in the first leg, managing only three shots on target despite playing at home. Defensively, they have been leaking goals at an alarming rate—conceding 11 times in their last seven matches and keeping just one clean sheet in their last 12 outings. While Ferran Jutglà, Christos Tzolis, and Chemsdine Talbi might push forward in a desperate bid to rescue their European campaign, their defensive weaknesses will likely be exposed again.
Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Prediction
Club Brugge’s last trip to England ended in a 1:3 defeat to Manchester City, and Villa Park is set to provide another hostile atmosphere for the Belgian side. Aston Villa won’t let this opportunity slip, and their superior quality and control in possession should ensure a convincing home win.
