2026-2027 Champions League: Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa, Probable Lineups

Club Brugge and Aston Villa take the field at 6:45 p.m. for their match on the first matchday of the group stage of the 2026-2027 Champions League. The hosts are coming off four wins in their first five Belgian league games and are aiming to qualify for the playoffs of Europe’s top competition. The Villans, on the other hand, have had a sluggish start to the season, having so far managed just one point in the Premier League—a meager draw against Hull City.

Leko is relying on Tresoldi up front, who is in the running for a spot on the Italian national team after his splendid start to the season. In the attacking midfield are Borges, Vetlesen, and Diakhton, while Potts and Vanaken anchor the midfield.

Emery has yet to find the right balance; up front, he’ll rely on Nicolas Jackson, supported by McGinn, Barkley, and Buendia. Kamara and Hemmings form the midfield pairing, with Cash and Maatsen at fullback.

Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Probable Lineups
Club Brugge (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Sabbe, Mechele, Han-beom, Seys; Potts, Vanaken; Borges, Vetlesen, Diakhton; Tresoldi. Coach: Leko.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Hemmings; McGinn, Barkley, Buendia; Jackson. Head Coach: Emery.

Aston Villa will have to do without Goretzka, who is injured: “It’s really frustrating, but we have players who can step in for him, like Ross Barkley, Gomes, Bogle, and Kamara. “When Goretzka returns, we hope he can regain his fitness and form. When we signed him, we valued the wealth of experience he could bring, and he’ll prove invaluable in various competitions,” Emery said at a press conference.