Unai Emery must again solve a left-back problem when Aston Villa host Viking, with Johan Manzambi ruled out by a small injury.
Villa have won both Champions League matches so far, 3-2 at Club Brugge and 6-0 against Fenerbahçe, and have won their last 11 European matches at Villa Park. They host Manchester City on Saturday.
Viking are yet to win in the competition after a 3-1 defeat at Stuttgart and a 3-3 draw with Bayern. This is the first meeting between the clubs.
Aston Villa team news
Manzambi, who was substituted in the 72nd minute at Newcastle on Saturday after scoring the winner, will not play. Emery said Wan-Bissaka will be out for “three or four weeks”, Ruggeri for around two months and Onana for a long time. Modo Cisse is also out, according to Sports Mole.
Ian Maatsen is back in training after a month out, but Tyrone Mings may still be asked to play at left-back, with Matty Cash on the right. Villa’s initial Champions League squad included only three recognised centre-backs, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Mings, but Harwood-Bellis has been added through the replacement rule for Ruggeri. Hemmings is back in contention after a minor knee problem, while Nicolas Jackson, Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo compete for the centre-forward role. Emery has said there are “no excuses” for the injuries.
Aston Villa predicted lineup
Aston Villa possible starting XI: Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Mings; Kamara, Barkley; McGinn, Buendia, Mbaye; Jackson
When will the match kick off?
The Champions League match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
How to watch Aston Villa vs Viking?
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK.
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