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Brugge vs Aston Villa: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Europe Champions League · Europe · 8 September 2026
Brugge logoBrugge
2:3
1st half: 1:3
08.09.2026 17:45
Aston Villa logoAston Villa

Match events

9′
🟨Ian Maatsen
11′
0:1John McGinn
Hugo Vetlesen1:1
19′
22′
1:2Emiliano Buendía
43′
1:3Nicolas Jackson
Hans Vanaken🟨
48′
Nicolo Tresoldi2:3
61′
Jean Virgili Tenas🟨
62′
78′
🟨John McGinn
Romeo Vermant🟨
89′
89′
🟨João Gomes

Match statistics: Brugge vs Aston Villa

BruggeAston Villa
1.61xG (expected goals)2.23
64Ball possession, %36
14Shots21
7Shots on target9
4Corners5
17Fouls12
1Offsides2
3Yellow cards3
0Red cards0
118Attacks77
73Dangerous attacks29

💡 Match preview Brugge vs Aston Villa

By Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions

Aston Villa, the reigning Europa League champions, are set to embark on a new continental campaign—this time chasing glory in the Champions League. Unai Emery’s “Lions” kick off the league phase with a tricky away assignment against Belgian outfit Club Brugge. History favours the visitors: their last two meetings in this competition ended 3-1 and 3-0 in Villa’s favour. Can they make it three in a row?

Tactical Analysis

Club Brugge – Ready for the Big Stage

Brugge have started the Belgian Pro League in impressive fashion, winning four of their first five matches. Remarkably, in each of those victories, Ivan Leko’s side kept a clean sheet. The summer window saw the departure of several key figures: winger Tzolis (who racked up 22 goals and 29 assists in the 2025/26 season), midfield anchors Stanković and Onyedika, and veteran goalkeeper Mignolet, who retired. Leko has been forced to reshape his squad, yet the team has not lost its quality or balance.

The club’s transfer business has been shrewd. In came experienced goalkeeper Sommer, midfielder Potts, and centre-back Lee Han-beom, with all three already integrated into the starting XI. This targeted overhaul has not disrupted Brugge’s core philosophy. They prioritise ball control, exploit spaces between the lines through long-serving playmaker Hans Vanaken, and are formidable in positional attacks—a crucial asset given Villa’s tendency to cede possession. But Brugge are also tactically flexible: when needed, they drop into a low block and counter-attack with bite.

Last season, Brugge reached the round of 16 of the Champions League, where they lost to Atlético Madrid (3-3, 1-4). What stands out, however, is their fearlessness at home against top sides. A 0-3 loss to Arsenal was the exception; more typical were the 3-3 draws with Barcelona and Atlético, as well as emphatic wins over Marseille (3-0) and Monaco (4-1). Note also their scoring consistency: at least three goals in four of their last five home European matches.

Aston Villa – A Rebuilding Phase Bearing Little Fruit

The Lions have started the season toothless. After three Premier League matches, Villa have only one point to their name. More alarming than the results is the performance level: in that stretch, they have failed to score a single goal and managed just one shot on target. The 0-1 defeat to Arsenal could be attributed to the opponent’s quality, but the losses to Brighton (0-4) and the goalless draw with newly promoted Hull City paint a bleaker picture.

This sluggish start stems from a near-total squad overhaul. Key players—Watkins, Rogers, Tielemans, Konsa, Digne, Martínez—have all departed, hitting every line. Incoming signings have yet to click. Manzambi, the winger who impressed at the 2026 World Cup (3 goals, 2 assists in 4 games), is injured. Attacking recruits Jackson and Garnacho are out of form, and full-backs Ruggeri and Wan-Bissaka are still adapting to the system. Emery’s football relies on sharp transitions and vertical passes to launch quick attacks, but without cohesion, the mechanism has stalled. Villa simply need time to find their rhythm.

As a reminder, Villa won the Europa League last season, beating Freiburg 3-0 in the final—Emery’s fifth title in that competition. But even in their prime, away games were a struggle: defeats to Go Ahead Eagles and Nottingham Forest, and a narrow win over modest Basel, all in the 2025/26 campaign underline that road trips, especially early in the season, remain a challenge.

Predicted Lineups

Club Brugge (4-2-3-1): Sommer – Sabbe, Lee, Mechele, Seys – Potts, Vanaken – Vetlesen, Vermant, Dian – Tresoldi

Unavailable: Ordoñez (injury)

Head coach: Ivan Leko

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Suzuki – Cash, Lindelöf, Mings, Maatsen – Kamara, Barkley – McGinn, Buendía, Garnacho – Jackson

Unavailable: Onana, Manzambi, Majo (all injured), Harwood-Bellis (not registered)

Head coach: Unai Emery

Prediction and Bet

Main Prediction: Brugge to win at odds of 2.70

At this early stage of the season, squad cohesion could be decisive. Leko has made targeted changes to Brugge, preserving the team’s structure and core. Their early-season form shows a side in fine working order. Villa, by contrast, are in full rebuild mode, looking disjointed and vulnerable. One point from three league games with an aggregate score of 0-5 says it all. Moreover, the Jan Breydel Stadium has been a fortress against elite teams—last season Brugge held Barcelona and Atlético to draws and thrashed Monaco and Marseille. Backing the home side at 2.70 is the clear call.

Prediction on Total Goals: Over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.73

All five of Brugge’s home Champions League matches last season featured at least three goals. This trend is no coincidence: at home, Brugge do not adapt to opponents; they play as the protagonist, dictating a high tempo and creating numerous chances. Villa’s defence looks far from watertight, as their Premier League start proves. Yet the individual quality in the visitors’ attack cannot be dismissed—three games without a goal does not mean they are toothless. Expect an open, high-scoring contest.

Dele Lawal
Dele Lawal
Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions

Dele Lawal is a football expert who has spent many years analyzing tournaments such as the EFL Cup, FIFA World Cup, Champions League, and Russian Super Cup. His analysis emphasizes current form, lineups, key statistics like expected goals and shots on target, and the impact of coaching decisions and fixture schedules. He maintains a disciplined, data-oriented approach to prediction, avoiding emotional bias and focusing on underlying performance indicators.

All articles by this author →

The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.

Probable lineups: Brugge vs Aston Villa

Brugge logoBrugge4-2-3-1
Sommer
SaissMecheleLeeSabbe
VanakenPotts
DiakonWermanVetlesen
Tresoldi
Out of squad:Ordonez · Injury
Aston Villa logoAston Villa4-2-3-1
Suzuki
MaatsenMingsLindelöfCash
BarkleyKamara
GarnachoBuendiaMcGinn
Jackson
Out of squad:Onana · InjuryManzambi · InjuryMaggio · InjuryHarwood-BellisGoretzka · Injury

Match odds Brugge vs Aston Villa

Result (1X2)

X3.7412.7822.47

Double chance

1X1.59X21.48121.3

Both teams to score

No2.29Yes1.55

Over

1121.332.0843.9257.81.51.192.51.73.52.624.54.555.58.3

Under

19.923.2631.6841.1851.031.54.12.52.183.51.424.51.135.51.02

Handicap 1

02.0111.2421.02-14.31.51.152.51.01-1.55.05

Handicap 2

01.811.17-13.56-27.91.51.11-1.54.35-2.58.6

Correct score

0:0150:19.60:2130:3251:010.51:16.51:28.71:317.51:4412:0152:19.42:211.752:3233:0303:1203:2243:343

Predictions for Brugge vs Aston Villa

UG Uche Garba Under 2.5odds 2.23 Lost

Under 2.5 goals looks like the right call in this Champions League matchup between Brugge and Aston Villa. The visitors are in dire attacking form—zero goals in their first three Premier League matches, with just one shot on target across those games. Key departures like Watkins, Martinez, and Tielemans have left the squad struggling, and the new signings haven't gelled yet, so I don't see how Villa suddenly finds the net multiple times here.

Meanwhile, Brugge's defense is rock-solid: four clean sheets in their last five outings and only two goals conceded in five league games. History shows two of the last three head-to-heads cleared 2.5, but that was a completely different Villa side. With the current version toothless in attack and Brugge stingy at the back, a low-scoring affair is the most probable outcome.

GW Gabriel Waziri Over 2 (1st half)odds 4.33 Won

Brugge and Aston Villa meet at Jan Breydel Stadium in the Champions League first stage, and I’m backing the first-half total to go over 2 goals at 4.33. Brugge come in as Belgian champions after a dominant domestic campaign, and they’ve carried that form into the new season with four wins from five league matches. Aston Villa, on the other hand, have had a nightmare start — losing the Super Cup to PSG and taking just one point from their first three Premier League games, leaving them near the bottom of the table.

Villa desperately need a result here to restore some pride, and that urgency should push the game into an open, high-tempo first half. Brugge average 2.2 goals scored and 1.4 conceded in the competition, while Villa’s numbers sit at 1.7 scored and 1.3 conceded. With both sides capable of finding the net and Villa’s defensive frailty, I expect at least three goals before the break.

KA Kayode Anyanwu Result: 1odds 2.56 Lost

Brugge's early-season edge in the Champions League opener against Aston Villa is too significant to ignore. While both sides are still finding their rhythm, the Belgian champions have already played five league matches compared to Villa's three—that extra game time builds real cohesion. Their squad has also seen far less turnover, which adds another layer of stability.

The form table tells a clear story. Brugge have won four of their five domestic games, keeping clean sheets in all four victories (3-0, 3-0, 1-0, 1-0), with the only blemish a narrow 1-2 loss to Gent—a side that has historically troubled them. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are still winless in the Premier League with two defeats and a draw. The momentum and confidence are squarely with the hosts, and at 2.56, backing them to win feels like the right call.

GO Godwin Onyeka Result: 2odds 2.55 Pending

Backing Aston Villa to win this Champions League clash against Brugge. Their current form is irrelevant — the value is simply too good at 2.55 to pass up.

G goldpicks Team 1 over 1.5odds 2.25 Pending
AO Anthony Onyeka Team 1 over 1odds 1.51 Pending

The head-to-head record between Brugge and Aston Villa speaks volumes: in every past meeting, the hosts have scored at least two goals. That consistent attacking output makes the over 1 goal line on Brugge a straightforward call, especially given the attractive 1.51 odds. I'm backing the pattern to hold.

S strikehunter Under 3odds 1.64 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa faced off three times in last season's Champions League. Only one of those matches saw four goals, so I'm confident the under 3 bet is the smart play.

A abubakar.shark Handicap 2 (0)odds 1.85 Pending

Aston Villa have to get their season back on track, and if they can't manage it in the Premier League, this Champions League fixture is the perfect window to do so. I'm backing them with a handicap of 0 — meaning any win or draw gets the bet home — at 1.85.

JA Joseph Abubakar Result: 1odds 2.74 Pending

Brugge are genuine contenders to take down Aston Villa in this Champions League clash. I'm backing the home win at a solid 2.74 — they can get the job done.

SI Stanley Ibe Over 1odds 1.01 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa are set for a Champions League clash that should see at least one goal. I'm confident this match will be productive, so backing over 1 is the clear play. Simple and reliable.

CB Chukwuma Balogun Under 1 (1st half)odds 2.16 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa should treat the opening 45 minutes as a feeling-out process, with neither side willing to force the issue. The first half is likely to end without a goal, so the play is under 1 in that period at 2.16.

SN Samuel Nnaji Over 2.5odds 1.73 Pending

Over 2.5 goals in the Brugge vs Aston Villa Champions League match is where I'm putting my money. I'm convinced they'll manage to hit that mark.

ML Musa Lamido Corners: Result: 2odds 2.09 Pending

Aston Villa are clearly here to win today, and that attacking intent should carry over to the corner count. I'm backing the visitors to take more corners than their opponents.

IM Ibrahim Mohammed Result: 1odds 2.68 Pending

Brugge are clearly the stronger side here, and with home advantage, I see them winning comfortably against Aston Villa. The odds of 2.68 offer great value for a team that should dominate this matchup.

BE Biodun Emenike Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.48 Pending

Over 1.5 goals in the first half is the move here. Brugge are practically guaranteed to concede, but they've also got the firepower to nick one themselves. That should be enough to make the opening 45 minutes eventful.

KO Kelechi Ogundipe Result: 1odds 2.71 Pending

Brugge are the clear underdogs against Aston Villa in this Champions League clash, but at 2.71, the odds offer too much value to ignore. I'm backing the hosts to pull off the upset—they have every chance to take the win here.

F femihunter Corners: Team 2 over 4odds 1.72 Pending

Aston Villa come in as the stronger side, and their attacking spells should keep Brugge on the back foot for long stretches. That kind of pressure typically translates into a steady run of corners, so backing the away team to get beyond four at 1.72 feels like the right value.

YW Yusuf Waziri Double chance: X2odds 1.50 Pending

Brugge is a tough opponent on home soil and in the Champions League, that’s a given. But let’s be real—Aston Villa under Unai Emery are still finding their rhythm, and despite their recent winless run, the quality they showed against Arsenal was telling. Emery is a proven cup competitor, and I expect his side to only improve from here.

That performance against a top side like Arsenal shows what Villa are capable of on a good day. I think they have every chance to return from Belgium with at least a point, so the double chance on the visitors not to lose is the smart play here.

W wildmaster Over 2.5odds 1.73 Pending

Brugge are a different animal at home, but their European defense has a clear ceiling against elite sides—Aston Villa already proved that twice in 2025. Emery knows how to set up a disciplined road game, and the gaps Brugge leave when they push forward are exactly what Villa will target. I don’t expect a blowout either way, but both teams have enough to find the net, which makes Over 2.5 at 1.73 the right call.

S score.guy Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending
ON Oluwaseun Nnaji Team 1 over 1.5odds 2.27 Pending

Aston Villa’s ongoing issues make Brugge’s attacking threat hard to ignore. The hosts have every chance to put at least two past them, especially given the visitors’ current vulnerabilities.

That’s why I’m backing Brugge to score over 1.5 goals at 2.27 — a solid value play for this Champions League clash.

DN Dele Nnaji Over 3.5odds 2.69 Pending

In this Champions League clash, Brugge and Aston Villa have both been rather subdued in front of goal recently. Yet something tells me this is precisely the kind of European night where the floodgates open. The defensive caution that defines domestic league play often gives way to a more open, risk-taking approach on the continental stage, and I'm betting on that shift here.

The odds of 2.69 on over 3.5 goals simply look too tempting to pass up. Neither side will be content to sit back and settle for a dull draw—not in the Champions League, not when every point and every goal matters. I fully expect this one to produce at least four goals, breaking their recent pattern of low-scoring affairs.

OS Obinna Sani Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

Brugge against Aston Villa — and I’m backing the hosts here. The visitors still haven’t found their rhythm this season, which makes their current form a real question mark. At odds of 2.78, backing Brugge to take all three points looks like the smart play.

DL David L. Result: 2odds 2.49 Pending

Brugge have yet to show anything special this season, and while Aston Villa's own opening form hasn't been stellar either, that still leaves the visitors with the edge. I'm backing the away win at 2.49.

KA Kabiru Abdullahi Yellow cards: Result: 1odds 2.60 Pending

Aston Villa’s attackers are all about speed, and Brugge will spend the bulk of the match chasing them down. That kind of reactive defending leads to fouls in midfield and on the flanks — and ultimately to yellow cards for the home side. I’m taking Brugge to win the card count here.

R red.prophet Double chance: 1Xodds 1.58 Pending

Brugge at home is a tough nut to crack, and with Aston Villa in dreadful form, I don't see the visitors walking away with three points. The Belgian side will be well up for this Champions League clash, making a double chance bet on the home team or a draw the sensible play here.

ES Emeka Shehu Under 2.5odds 2.14 Pending

Aston Villa’s trip to Brugge in the Champions League shapes up as a tight, tactical affair. I expect the visitors to take a pragmatic, result-first approach away from home—lots of battles in midfield and very few clear chances. That’s why I’m backing under 2.5 goals here at 2.14.

OM Oluwaseun Musa Over 2.5odds 1.73 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa meet in the Champions League, and I expect this one to be a goal-filled affair. The over 2.5 line at 1.73 looks like the right call — I'm confident both sides will contribute to a high-scoring match.

UA Uche Abubakar Yellow cards: Result: 1odds 2.60 Pending

Aston Villa have received no more than one yellow card in each of their last five matches. That consistent discipline points to them staying clean again. I'm backing Brugge to collect more yellow cards in this Champions League meeting.

SO Segun Okoro Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

Brugge will get the better of Aston Villa here. They’re going to put on a strong performance and take the win.

AS Anthony Sowole Corners: Result: 1odds 1.94 Pending

Brugge to win the corner count looks like the right call here. Aston Villa are off to a rocky start this season after losing several key players, and that instability should show up in their set-piece performance. I'm backing the hosts to dominate from the flanks.

KI Kingsley Ibe Handicap 1 (0)odds 2.00 Pending

Brugge host Aston Villa in the Champions League, and I’m backing the home side with a handicap of 0 (draw no bet) at 2.00. Aston Villa have been dreadful at the start of this season — their form is simply not there. I expect Brugge to take full advantage and get the win.

KL Kelechi Lawal Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

Brugge hosting Aston Villa in the Champions League — I like the home side’s chances here. At 2.78, backing them to win feels like a solid play. They’re more than capable of beating this opponent on their own turf.

GI Gabriel Igwe Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.46 Pending

Brugge vs Aston Villa in the Champions League — I'm on the over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.46. I expect a couple of goals and an active start to the match.

CK Chibuzo Kalu Result: 2odds 2.49 Pending

Brugge vs Aston Villa in the Champions League — I’m backing the visitors. The overall quality of Aston Villa’s squad combined with Unai Emery’s European pedigree makes the away win at 2.49 the clear play here.

PE Peter Eze Result: 1odds 2.77 Pending

Brugge to win. Aston Villa have looked completely off the pace in the early weeks of the season, and I'm backing the home side to take full advantage. At odds of 2.77, this is a solid value play against a side that's shown nothing so far.

Y yusuf.hawk_2022 Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.56 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa in the Champions League — I’m keeping it simple here. I don’t see this one ending with a clean sheet for either side, so I’m backing both teams to find the net. The price at 1.56 is fair for a bet that should land.

FA Femi Amadi Result: 1odds 2.76 Pending

Brugge have a genuine opportunity to take all three points here. The home win at 2.76 is a solid value play given their chances.

E emmanuellord97 Result: 1odds 2.76 Pending
EO Emmanuel Obi Corners: Over 9.5odds 1.96 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa both love to let it fly from distance. That constant shooting pressure naturally turns into corner opportunities. Given how freely these two attack, I’m expecting the corner count to stay busy and easily push past 9.5.

SI Sunday Idris Team 2 under 1.5odds 1.74 Pending

Aston Villa have been completely gutted by their summer fire sale, and I just don't trust them to produce much going forward. Brugge are solid at home and rarely concede more than a single goal, so I'm backing the visitors to stay under 1.5 team goals here.

KM Kunle Madu Over 1odds 1.00 Pending

This Champions League clash between Brugge and Aston Villa looks set to deliver at least a couple of goals. Over 1 is the play here, and with odds of 1.00, it's essentially a no-risk proposition — you're covered even if the match ends with just one goal. The reasoning is straightforward: both sides have enough attacking quality to ensure the scoreboard gets ticking. A safe, low-variance pick that keeps the bankroll intact while the teams sort each other out.

BM Biodun Madu Over 3.5odds 2.62 Pending

This Champions League clash between Brugge and Aston Villa is shaping up to be a goal fest. I'm taking over 3.5 goals at 2.62.

W wildtips Double chance: 1Xodds 1.58 Pending

Brugge are hosting Aston Villa in the Champions League, and I don't see them losing this match. The home advantage here is significant enough to back the double chance on the home side or a draw. At 1.58, that bet offers solid value for what should be a straightforward outcome.

FN Femi Nwachukwu Result: 1odds 2.76 Pending

Aston Villa aren't ready for the big stage. Brugge will take this Champions League clash. I'm backing the home win at 2.76.

KM Kingsley Musa Result: 1odds 2.76 Pending

Brugge are at home in this Champions League fixture, and I'm backing them to get the job done against Aston Villa. The odds of 2.76 offer solid value for a side that will be determined to capitalize on their home advantage and push for the win.

SF Samuel Fashola Handicap 1 (0)odds 2.00 Pending

Brugge with a level handicap is the play here. I'm backing the hosts to avoid defeat in this Champions League clash, and the odds of 2.00 make it a solid bet.

K kickscout Result: 1odds 2.77 Pending

Brugge have a golden opportunity here. Aston Villa are still searching for their identity, and I'm backing the hosts to take full advantage and secure the win.

JW Joseph Waziri Result: 1odds 2.77 Lost
AO Abubakar Okafor Under 3odds 1.67 Pending
OM Obinna Mohammed Result: 2odds 2.47 Pending

Aston Villa finally break their season-long winless run. After a slow start, they travel to Brugge in the Champions League and I expect them to get the job done. The odds of 2.47 are too generous for a side of their quality to remain pointless for much longer.

M mrmaster Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.56 Pending

Brugge and Aston Villa are both capable of finding the net, and I expect them to trade goals in this Champions League clash. Their attacking styles should produce plenty of chances, making a bet on both teams to score the clear play at 1.56.

SI Samuel Idris Over 2.5odds 1.71 Pending

Aston Villa's European matches are consistently high-scoring affairs. That trend held true both this season and last, so I'm backing over 2.5 goals at 1.71.

SW Suleiman Waziri Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

Aston Villa are dealing with clear squad and tactical problems right now, and that’s exactly why I’m backing Brugge to take the win here. Playing at home with a settled, balanced lineup, the Belgian side boast a solid defense and an attack that consistently creates and finishes chances – a sharp contrast to their struggling visitors.

The 2.78 price on a home victory makes strong sense in this spot. Villa just aren’t clicking in attack or defense, while Brugge look far more reliable across the pitch.

CO Chukwuma Okoro Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.56 Pending
T tundeninja758 Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

Brugge to beat Aston Villa at 2.78? I’m backing it without hesitation. In over five years of betting, I’ve never seen a run like this — I found a tipster who calls exact scores with scary accuracy. Every single game I took from him landed. No reason to doubt this one.

DA Daniel Abdullahi Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

Brugge vs Aston Villa in the Champions League — I’m backing the home side to take all three points. The price at 2.78 is worth a play for a straightforward win.

CA Chinedu Adeyemi Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending

The odds of 2.78 for a Bruges win look like serious value here. I'm going to take the risk and back the home side to get the job done against Aston Villa.

FA Femi Abiodun Result: 1odds 2.78 Pending
UO Uche Ojo Over 2.5odds 1.71 Pending

Instead of picking a winner, the focus here is on goals. I’m backing Over 2.5 in the Champions League clash between Brugge and Aston Villa. Neither side’s defensive record inspires enough confidence to keep this low-scoring, and at 1.71 the price looks more than fair for a match that should see at least three strikes.

SO Stanley Ogunleye Corners: Team 2 over 5odds 2.43 Pending

Aston Villa carry clear favourite status here, and their physical and tactical superiority should show even away from home. A win on the road is never simple, but they’re not going to lose this one. I expect sharp chances at both ends, and that kind of open contest tends to generate a heavy corner count — so I’m backing the visitors to go over five corners.

Match poster

Brugge vs Aston Villa — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Brugge vs Aston Villa Champions League match played?

The match is scheduled for 8 September 2026 at 17:45 and takes place at Brugge's Jan Breydel Stadium.

Who are the absentees for each team?

Brugge will be without Ordoñez due to injury. Aston Villa are missing Onana, Manzambi and Majo through injury, while Harwood-Bellis is not registered for the match.

What is the main betting prediction and odds for the match?

The main prediction is a Brugge win at odds of 2.70. There is also a recommended bet on over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.73.

How have Brugge and Aston Villa started their seasons?

Brugge have won four of their first five Belgian Pro League matches and kept clean sheets in each victory. Villa, meanwhile, have taken just one point from their first three Premier League games, failing to score and conceding five.

Have these teams met in the Champions League before?

Yes, their last two meetings in this competition ended in 3-1 and 3-0 wins for Aston Villa.

Why is Brugge considered strong at home in Europe?

Last season, Brugge drew 3-3 with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid and recorded emphatic wins over Marseille and Monaco at Jan Breydel. They also scored at least three goals in four of their last five home European matches.