Aston Villa Eye Champions League Final 16 In ‘Battle Of Britain’ With Celtic

Aston Villa have one final likelihood to seal computerized qualification for the Champions League final 16 after they face Celtic in an important ‘Battle of Britain’ conflict on Wednesday. Heading into the ultimate spherical of league part fixtures, Unai Emery’s facet sit ninth within the standings, with the highest eight assured to advance on to the final 16. Teams who end ninth to twenty fourth will face a nerve-wracking play-off spherical that determines the ultimate eight golf equipment to progress. Villa, who’re one level behind eighth positioned Bayer Leverkusen, will virtually actually need to beat Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic at Villa Park to keep away from the play-offs.

They may have virtually wrapped up a final 16 berth by beating Monaco final week, however as an alternative slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat towards the Ligue 1 facet.

Villa defender Tyrone Mings is assured his facet can deal with the pressure of such a crucial 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 mentioned.

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

Mings left the pitch in tears after struggling a first-half knee damage throughout Sunday’s 1-1 draw towards West Ham, sparking fears the influential centre-back will miss the Celtic match.

‘Learned our lesson’

Celtic are positive to complete in a playoff spot after beating Young Boys 1-0 in Glasgow final week.

But Brendan Rodgers’ 18th-placed facet are unlikely to take it simple towards Villa as they appear to complete as excessive as attainable within the desk and doubtlessly safe a much less formidable play-off opponent.

Celtic even have a degree to show after being thrashed 7-1 at Borussia Dortmund in probably the most daunting of their league part matches.

A optimistic end result towards Villa would quiet those that advised their progress to the play-offs was due partially to a beneficial fixture record.

“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 mentioned.

“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 by no means get carried away, we keep humble and continue learning.”

Celtic, unbeaten in 5 European matches, will journey south effectively rested after Saturday’s recreation towards Dundee was postponed as a consequence of injury on the membership’s stadium brought on by Storm Eowyn.

But Rodgers’ males are depleted by the absence of Japan internationals Daizen Maeda, who’s suspended, and Kyogo Furuhashi, who accomplished a transfer to Rennes on Monday.

Kyogo’s departure was softened by winger Jota coming back from Rennes, however he isn’t eligible to play on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, west midlands police hope to maintain the lid on potential crowd hassle within the newest risky conflict between English and Scottish golf equipment.

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

There have been 39 arrests as Rangers followers infiltrated sections of the stadium reserved for United supporters, with dysfunction additionally reported within the metropolis centre.

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