Aston Villa face SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night, hunting their first major trophy in 30 years.
The Lions enter the showpiece in buoyant spirits after a thrilling 4-2 win over Liverpool officially secured their spot in next season’s Champions League. Manager Unai Emery is a certified specialist at this level, preparing to manage a record-extending sixth Europa League final.
Villa have won 26 European matches since the start of the 2023-24 season, more than any other club on the continent. They must overcome a late defensive midfield crisis to secure their first continental crown since their famous 1982 European Cup triumph.
Aston Villa team news
Emery faces an anxious wait over the fitness of midfielder Amadou Onana. The Belgian has trained for the past two days but faces a final check on a lingering calf problem ahead of kick-off.
His natural understudy Victor Lindelöf is also a doubt after picking up a foot injury against Liverpool. With Boubacar Kamara out for the season, Douglas Luiz or youngster Lamare Bogarde could step into central midfield alongside Youri Tielemans.
Pau Torres is set to start in central defence, aiming to win his second Europa League title under Emery, having tasted success with Villarreal in 2021.
Captain John McGinn will marshal the midfield alongside Morgan Rogers, who has been in outstanding form this term — ranking top in the competition for chances created with 27 and touches inside the opposition box with 65.
In attack, Emiliano Buendía will likely start, having contributed three goals and five assists in 11 European appearances. Ollie Watkins leads the frontline in search of his sixth continental goal of the campaign. Villa will also look to their late-game strength, having scored eight goals from the 76th minute onwards in this season’s tournament.
Aston Villa predicted lineup
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Lindelöf, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendía; Watkins.
When will the match kick off?
The UEFA Europa League final at the Tüpraş Stadyumu kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
How to watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa?
UK television viewers can watch the entire final live on TNT Sports 1. Live streaming is also available via the Sky Go app.
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