Expect a thrilling atmosphere when Feyenoord and Aston Villa lock horns in the Europa League round 2 at the De Kuip Stadium, a venue familiar to fans of a certain vintage. The Rotterdammers aim to recover from a 1-0 loss to Braga, but they will have a big fish to fry against the star-studded Premier League side.
Softfootball understands that Feyenoord have had no struggles since Robin van Persie took over in February, and has overseen a brilliant start to the campaign with seven wins from ten games. That has put them top of the Eredivisie table, indeed their only set-back came in the Champions League when they folded in Fenerbahce and found themselves in Europe’s second tier competition.
The Villans, on the other hand, defeated Bologna 1-0 in their Europa League opener, with John McGinn scoring the only goal of the match. They followed it up with a win as Unai Emery’s side produced a fine display in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Fulham.
Aston Villa went into last Thursday’s Europa League opener with Bologna having failed to win any of their opening five Premier League fixtures and had been dumped out of the EFL Cup by Brentford. The Premier League side is looking forward to the clash as they posted on their X account.
This is a Villa side that finished sixth in last season’s Premier League and they have plenty going for them at Feyenoord, who had only one shot on target in a 1-0 loss at Braga in last week’s Europa League curtain-raiser.
However, Feyenoord are setting the early pace in the Eredivisie, taking 19 points from seven games, and they showed their attacking quality in last season’s Champions League, having won 3-1 at Benfica, drawn 3-3 with Manchester City and having overcome Bayern 3-0.
Fifteen goals scored in seven league games shows the forward power that Robin van Persie’s attack-minded side possess and eight wins in their last nine at home highlights how hard Aston Villa will have to work for a positive result.
But back-to-back wins should have done Unai Emery’s side the world of good, especially with Ollie Watkins back amongst the goals, and they can play their part in an entertaining encounter.
Home advantage may be key for Feyenoord but this still looks a well-balanced fixture and Aston Villa should continue to make great strides under Emery. A 2-2 draw, in what should be a lively affair, appeals as a correct-score selection.
Team News
Van Persie’s team enter this encounter aiming to come out top against a not so stable premier League team. Malcolm Jeng was taken off injured at half time at the weekend and will miss this contest with Aston Villa after undergoing surgery but Sem Steijn should be fit to make his return from injury.
Anel Ahmedhodzic is suspended for Feyenoord after his late dismissal against AZ, while Gernot Trauner (Achilles), Shiloh ‘t Zand (knee), Thomas Beelen (leg) and Jakub Moder are likely to be absent. While Ayase Ueda, like Willumsson, has scored five league goals, Feyenoord are not entirely reliant on the Japanese striker, with Sem Steijn (three goals, one assist) also enjoying a strong start to the season.
The good news for the away team is that important centre-back Tyrone Mings has overcome his minor injury. Harvey Elliott makes his full Aston Villa debut as they look for their first Premier League win of the season.
Emi Martinez could start in goal despite Marco Bizot keeping a clean sheet against Bologna, as Emery suggested the Argentine would have played instead of his deputy if he had been fit last week.
Andres Garcia was named in the matchday squad against Bologna but was not on the bench for the Fulham game last weekend. Ezri Konsa is expected to partner Pau Torres, with Tyrone Mings sidelined due to injury against Fulham.
Torres may start ahead of Mings regardless, given his impressive performances in the last two matches, while Ian Maatsen is likely to replace Lucas Digne.
Possible Lineups
Feyenoord Possible starting lineups: Wellenreuther; Read, Jeng, Watanade, Bos; Timber, Valente; Moussa, Steijn, Sliti; Ueda
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Bogarde, McGinn, Guessand, Elliott, Rogers, Watkins.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
With both sides yet to hit top attacking form, the clash in Rotterdam looks set to be a tactical war of attrition. Can Feyenoord break through after firing blanks last time, or will Aston Villa’s defence and goalkeeper Martínez prove decisive again? With Villa showing early composure and clinical finishing, Villa may come out top.
