Aston Villa have one last chance to seal automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 when they face Celtic in a crucial ‘Battle of Britain’ clash on Wednesday

 

Aston Villa have one last chance to seal automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 when they face Celtic in a crucial ‘Battle of Britain’ clash on Wednesday. Heading into the final round of league phase fixtures, Unai Emery’s side sit ninth in the standings, with the top eight guaranteed to advance directly to the last 16. Teams who finish ninth to 24th will face a nerve-wracking play-off round that determines the final eight clubs to progress. Villa, who are one point behind eighth placed Bayer Leverkusen, will almost certainly have to beat Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic at Villa Park to avoid the play-offs.

 

They could have almost wrapped up a last 16 berth by beating Monaco last week, but instead slipped to a surprise 1-0 defeat against the Ligue 1 side.

 

Villa defender Tyrone Mings is confident his side can cope with the strain of such a critical match.

 

“It isn’t pressure, it’s something we deal with every time we step out on to the football pitch, that’s no different. We enjoy it,” Mings said.

 

“It’s obviously a very big game next week, but they all are in their own way.”

 

 

Mings left the pitch in tears after suffering a first-half knee injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham, sparking fears the influential centre-back will miss the Celtic match.

 

 

 

Celtic are sure to finish in a playoff spot after beating Young Boys 1-0 in Glasgow last week.

 

But Brendan Rodgers’ 18th-placed side are unlikely to take it easy against Villa as they look to finish as high as possible in the table and potentially secure a less formidable play-off opponent.

 

 

Celtic also have a point to prove after being thrashed 7-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the most daunting of their league phase matches.

 

A positive result against Villa would quiet those who suggested their progress to the play-offs was due in part to a favourable fixture list.

 

 

“I think we learned our lesson in Dortmund and bounced back really well. Sometimes you learn when you have a tough time,” Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel said.

 

“Barring one game, we have been solid, we have been very good. We have had some very mature performances.

 

 

“That’s the mark of the squad, we never get carried away, we stay humble and keep learning.”

 

Celtic, unbeaten in five European matches, will travel south well rested after Saturday’s game against Dundee was postponed due to damage at the club’s stadium caused by Storm Eowyn.

 

But Rodgers’ men are depleted by the absence of Japan internationals Daizen Maeda, who is suspended, and Kyogo Furuhashi, who completed a move to Rennes on Monday.

 

Kyogo’s departure was softened by winger Jota returning from Rennes, but he is not eligible to play on Wednesday.

 

Meanwhile, west midlands police hope to keep the lid on potential crowd trouble in the latest volatile clash between English and Scottish clubs.

 

The fixture at Villa Park comes six days after Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Rangers in the Europa League was marred by violent scenes.

 

There were 39 arrests as Rangers fans infiltrated sections of the stadium reserved for United supporters, with disorder also reported in the city centre.

 

 

 

The Bundesliga giants are said to be exploring a loan deal for Buendia in what looks like something of a surprise move for someone currently out of favour at Villa Park.

If Unai Emery can’t find room for Buendia in this Villa side, then it’s hard to imagine the Argentine getting much of a look-in at Leverkusen after all their recent success.

Still, Florian Plettenberg has reported on the situation below, posting on X about Leverkusen’s interest in signing Buendia on loan with an option to buy.

Leverkusen considering a loan with an option buy. Villa demanding an obligation option. Another club is also in the race… pic.twitter.

com/ — Florian Plettenberg (@) January 25, 2025 The can be a fine player on his day, so perhaps he could revive his career with a move to Germany to play under Alonso, who is one of the most exciting coaches in the game at the moment

Aston Villa host West Ham to the Midlands in the Premier League this afternoon. It’s the second meeting between the teams this month, as Villa beat West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup’s third round on January 10th.

Unai Emery’s side are unbeaten in four Premier League games and can move within one point of the European rankings with win.

However, a Champions League loss to Monaco in the middle of the week dealt a setback to the team’s ambitions of making headway in Europe.

That cup match at Villa Park was the first game under new manager Graham Potter, and West Ham is still getting used to his ways.

 

He has since guided the Irons to a 3-2 victory over Fulham and a heartbreaking home loss to Crystal Palace.

This weekend, Aston Villa has few choices at center-back and in central midfield.

Amadou Onana is not expected to play after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal last week. The Belgian is joining Ross Barkley and John McGinn on the sidelines.

Diego Carlos’ transfer to Fenerbahce further depletes the defensive stocks, as Pau Torres is still out. It is anticipated that Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa would continue their collaboration.

Andres Garcia, a 21-year-old full-back who signed this week from Levante, may join the team, while Donyell Malen, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund, may get his debut.

 

When Aston Villa hosts West Ham United in Premier League action on Sunday (ko 4.30pm), Donyell Malen is excited to see Villa Park packed.

Having played at Villa’s stadium during his youth career while at Arsenal, Unai Emery’s first January hire is no stranger to B6.

During his first week and a half with the club, Malen talked about how busy he has been but also how much he has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates. He now looks forward to seeing Villa Park crowded.

It’s been a lot, from the time I boarded the plane to the medical examinations, contracts, gym membership, and all the scans, but I’ve truly enjoyed it.

“After training, I simply consider my tasks. I’m definitely looking forward to it, and I’ve really enjoyed it [so far]. “I recall playing with [Arsenal] 23s [at Villa Park].

” As a player in the academy, it was among the first stadiums I played in. I thought, “Wow, this is huge.

” It’s great to be working there after ten years, and I can’t wait to see all the fans there. “I’ve watched a few games, and I’m impressed with the stadium’s performance versus Bayern and Man City.

Adidas Club Logo Men, four hours ago Malen is excited about Aston Villa FC’s reunion at Villa Park. Distribute 17:30 Sunday, January 26, West Ham home competition crest Villa Park Purchase Tickets for Hospitality When Aston Villa hosts West Ham United in Premier League action on Sunday (ko 4.30pm), Donyell Malen is excited to see Villa Park packed.

Having played at Villa’s stadium during his youth career while at Arsenal, Unai Emery’s first January hire is no stranger to B6.

During his first week and a half with the club, Malen talked about how busy he has been but also how much he has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates. He now looks forward to seeing Villa Park crowded.

 

 

 

Aston Villa are planning a move for Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy before the close of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

 

Villa are long-term admirers of Kilicsoy and boss Unai Emery has identified the Turkey international as a top target as they look to bolster their attacking options.

 

 

The 19-year-old, who can play anywhere across the frontline, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in Europe after bursting onto the scene at Besiktas at 17.

 

He has played regularly for the Turkish giants in the 2024-25 campaign, making 28 appearances across all competitions.

 

Kilicsoy has notched two goals and six assists in those outings, 16 of which have come as part of the starting lineup.

 

His breakthrough came last season, when he hit 12 goals in 30 games as Besiktas won the Turkish Cup and Super Cup.

 

The two-footed teenager was selected to play for Turkey at Euro 2024 after making his senior debut last year and made one appearance at the tournament.

 

Kilicsoy, who signed a new four-year Besiktas contract 12 months ago, has played both as a centre-forward and as a winger during his development in Istanbul.

 

Aston Villa are planning to add the Turkish sensation to their forward line, which currently boasts Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran and new signing Donyell Malen.

 

The Midlands giants sit eighth in the Premier League table and are well placed to progress directly to the Champions League knockout stage.

 

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After signing from Chicago Fire as a relatively unknown commodity in Europe, Jhon Duran has quickly become a household name during his time at Aston Villa.

 

Duran has been labelled a “top finisher” and as he has continued to impress, the 21-year-old has managed to gain Unai Emery’s trust as both a starter and an impact substitute.

 

Aston Villa can pat themselves on the back for spotting the Colombian’s incredible talent as they have one of the best young strikers in the world.

 

TBR Football revealed Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in signing Duran as they were open to a swap deal that involved Randal Kolo Muani, who could join Juventus on a loan deal imminently.

 

West Ham’s £30 million bid for Duran was rebuffed by Aston Villa, as TBR Football previously confirmed as well.

 

Jhon Duran has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season — who has scored 12 goals in just seven starts across all competitions — justifying all the interest in his signature.

 

Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Manchester City FC at…

 

Aston Villa set £85 million asking price for Jhon Duran transfer

The youngster has even stepped up on the biggest stages for Villa this campaign.

 

Three out of the Medellin-born marksman’s 12 goals this season have come in the Champions League, with crucial strikes against Bayern Munich, Bologna and RB Leipzig.

 

Journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that while Unai Emery’s side have no interest in selling Duran this month, the only fee that would change their mind is a whopping £85 million.

 

 

“According to my Aston Villa sources and some will always say there’s an asking price and I can tell you that if they were to change their mind, Aston Villa, they would want £85 million in January.”

 

“The interest is firm from PSG in particular, so that’s one to keep an eye on. Chelsea have not reignited anything as far as January is concerned but PSG would like to sign Jhon Duran and ideally, right now along with [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia who is going to join for sure.”

 

Jacobs also confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain enquired about signing Duran but their approach was rebuffed as he was not considered for sale.

 

“But PSG have made an enquiry about Jhon Duran and they’ve been told not for sale and my sources have added the only way that Villa will change their mind if PSG or any other club drop £85 million.”

 

West Ham continue to admire Duran but so far, the likeliest scenario looks like he will stay at Villa Park unless a club decides an £85 million fee is worth the price to secure his services.

 

Duran’s talent has garnered praise as he seems to have all the necessary attributes to become a top-class centre-forward one day and it seems like his suitors are well aware of his tremendous potential.

 

Luis Diaz knew Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran was special from day one

Luis Diaz raved about Duran’s potential, reflecting on how he felt his countryman was a special talent from the first time I saw him play.

 

“From day one that I met him, that I dealt with him and that I saw him play, I already knew the conditions and qualities he had.”

 

Diaz feels that if Duran sets his mind to becoming a world-class player, he can become an absolute superstar.

 

“First, I said this boy, if he sets his mind to it, he can become very big, he can make history in the role he has, he can be the best striker. It’s good that he’s living a great moment, that he’s doing well, that he’s shining in a super spectacular league.

 

“I’m very happy for him, we shared a lot in the national team, he’s a very calm boy, he lets himself go, if he has to listen, he does it too.

 

The Liverpool winger concluded: “He’s in the process of continuing to learn like every boy, so he’ll continue to improve in what is left of his career and he’ll continue to score goals.”

 

 

With Aston Villa placed in seventh place in the Premier League, their sights will be set on qualifying for the Champions League at the end of the season.

 

Duran, who Ally McCoist lauded will be crucial for Villa if they intend to achieve this goal and losing him for any fee could be too huge a risk when it comes to the context of their ongoing campaign.