Aston Villa are looking to continue their 100% record in this competition this season, as they have been awarded a comfortable home tie against Norwegian side Viking FK; however, the hosts will still have to be wary of the away side, and a professional performance is required.
The Villains beat Club Brugge (3-2) away from home in their opening fixture to begin a run of six games in all competitions where the home side have not lost a fixture. Unai Emery's side then followed a win over Club Brugge with an emphatic 6-0 win at home to Turkish side Fenerbahce, and at the weekend Emery's men recorded a 1-0 win away at home thanks to a header from summer acquisition Johan Manzambi.
Aston Villa had spent quite a while away from European competition until the last few years, but since their first foray back into European action, the Villains have a tremendous home record. Aston Villa have not lost a home European game since the 4-2 defeat to Olympiacos in the Conference League back in 2024. Since returning to the Champions League across two different campaigns, Aston Villa have only lost twice in this competition, to the Europa League holders will be firm favourites for this fixture.
Viking FK pulled off an excellent home draw against Bayern Munich last time out in the Champions League but they also lost away from home to VFB Stuttgart in their opening UCL fixture. The visitors are expected to concede goals, with six conceded in their last two European fixtures.
As a result, goals are expected in this fixture. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in seven of the last eight games involving Aston Villa and in six of the last seven games involving Viking FK.
Aston Villa 4-0 Viking FK
