Aston Villa vs Celtic Prediction, preview, team news and lineups 29.01.2025

• Date and Time: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England

Aston Villa vs Celtic Preview and Team news

Aston Villa Team News

Unai Emery’s men enter this crucial Champions League fixture needing nothing less than a victory to retain hopes of a top-eight finish in the group stage. However, recent performances have revealed some glaring inconsistencies. 

Their inability to capitalise on dominant spells against West Ham and Monaco left them frustrated, and defensive lapses have been costly. Tyrone Mings’ knee injury exacerbates these issues, leaving the defence vulnerable.

Offensively, Ollie Watkins has been pivotal, demonstrating sharp movement and clinical finishing. However, Amadou Onana’s absence has disrupted the midfield’s balance. While Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara form a technically proficient duo, they’ve struggled against dynamic opponents. This could prove problematic against Celtic’s energetic midfield.

The one-two combo followed by the finish 👌 pic.twitter.com/Tam80oT39L

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 26, 2025

Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey, Aston Villa’s wide players, will be key to stretching the guests’ defence. Jacob Ramsey’s late runs into the box add an extra dimension.

Jacob Ramsey, a young midfield talent, has shown he can be the catalyst in critical situations. His ability to link up play and drive forward could be pivotal. Furthermore, the role of Ollie Watkins cannot be overstated. His agility and knack for finding spaces in tight defences will be crucial, especially in the absence of key Celtic figures.

The tactical setup is expected to be a 4-2-3-1, which will stabilise the midfield while allowing the wingers to push forward and support Watkins. Emery might tweak the usual gameplay to ensure more bodies are behind the ball when out of possession. His aim will be to thwart Celtic’s counter-attacking threat.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Martínez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Digne, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Unavailable: Pau Torres (foot), Ross Barkley (calf)
Questionable: Tyrone Mings (knee), Amadou Onana (fitness)

Celtic Team News

For Celtic, this match offers an opportunity to showcase their progress after securing a historic knockout stage berth. Brendan Rodgers’ side has been a revelation in Europe, relying on their relentless pressing and quick transitions. However, their defensive frailties—as seen in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Dundee—remain a concern.

The absence of Daizen Maeda, suspended after his dismissal against Young Boys, limits Rodgers’ attacking options.  Nicolas Kuhn’s creativity and pace on the right flank could exploit Aston Villa’s defensive gaps. In midfield, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate will aim to dictate the tempo while protecting the backline.

#ForeverOurs 💚 pic.twitter.com/SySVU0bLt0

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 27, 2025

Defensively, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty form a solid partnership, but they’ll face a stern test from Watkins’ clever runs. Kasper Schmeichel’s experience in goal will be vital in keeping Aston Villa’s attack at bay.

Rodgers is likely to employ a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield and control the tempo of the game. The key battle should be in the midfield. McGregor’s ability to distribute the ball and control the pace will clash with the hosts’ Tielemans and Kamara, who’ll look to disrupt and transition quickly.

🏆🏆🏆 3 x Scottish Premierships
🏆🏆🏆 3 x Scottish Cups
🏆🏆🏆🏆 4 x League Cups

Happy birthday to our Manager, Brendan Rodgers! 💚#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/BUZYABvEQw

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 26, 2025

Celtic’s defence, while sturdy, will have their work cut out against a fast Aston Villa assault. The coordination between Carter-Vickers and Trusty, along with the full-backs’ ability to manage the opposition’s wide threats, will be critical. 

Schmeichel’s experience in goal offers the guests a reassuring last line of defence, capable of commanding the box during set-pieces. This is an area where Aston Villa have shown vulnerability.

Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Schmeichel (GK); Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Idah

Unavailable: Daizen Maeda (suspension)

Aston Villa vs Celtic Prediction 

• Pick: Aston Villa to win
• Odds: 1.52 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Celtic

This event is more than just a group-stage fixture; it’s a battle for survival in the Champions League. Aston Villa need a win to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive, meaning their approach may be more aggressive. 

The Celtics are already through but aiming for a better seeding. They could exploit this by focusing on maintaining a solid defensive shape and hitting the break.

The tactical chess match between Emery and Rodgers will be fascinating, with both renowned for their detailed methodology of game management. The result could be decided by who makes the smarter tactical adjustments and how well the players execute their roles.

Aston Villa vs Celtic Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
• Odds: 1.6 (22Bet)

This match promises goals, given both teams’ attacking quality and defensive lapses. Celtic are likely to adopt an open style, and Villa’s pace in attack could make for an entertaining contest. An over 2.5 goals market offers excellent value.

The visitors, on the other hand, have been effective in front of goal in their Champions League campaign. They’ve shown their ability to score against varied opposition. 

Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate dynamic play suggest that Celtic can exploit any defensive lapses by Aston Villa. 

Unai’s thoughts after this evening’s game against West Ham United 🗣️

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 26, 2025

Their quick transitions and ability to press high up the pitch increase the likelihood of scoring. Particularly against a side that has struggled with maintaining defensive discipline under pressure.

Both clubs have recently displayed some defensive frailties. Aston Villa’s defensive line has been inconsistent, partly due to injuries. Celtic’s back line have shown vulnerabilities, especially in away games, where they adopt a more expansive style. 

This scenario sets up a match environment conducive to goals, as both teams will look to assert dominance and capitalize on each other’s defensive shortcomings.

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