The eighth and final round of fixtures in the new-look group stage of the Champions League is upon us both Aston Villa and Celtic are in with a chance of automatic qualification for the next stage of this illustrious competition.
Contents
Aston Villa vs Celtic prediction: Both teams to score on Wednesday night?
Key Stats
- Both teams have scored in three of Celtic's last four fixtures.
- Over 2.5 goals have been produced in three of the hosts' last six matches.
- Four of the visitors' last six games have ended with at least three goals scored.
Correct score prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Celtic
Wednesday's hosts have scored no more than two goals in any of their last six fixtures and have only managed to keep one clean sheet during that period, while Celtic have scored in all of their last six outings which is why we're backing a 2-1 correct scoreline prediction in favour of the home side.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Aston Villa the clear favourite
- HOME: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.2%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Aston Villa are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 65.2%, and we agree with the bookmakers on this selection.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Never met before
Aston Villa and Celtic go head-to-head for the first time in their history on Wednesday night and we're expecting a close and competitive 90 minutes between the pair.
Aston Villa preview: Lost one of last six
The Villians went down 1-0 away at Monaco in their last outing in the Champions League but really have to win their final game if they are to secure a spot in the automatic qualifying spots.
Aston Villa played host to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday where despite taking the lead early on through Jacob Ramsey, the home side had to settle for a point after the Hammers equalised in the 70th minute.
Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings could all miss the final Champions League group game through injury.
Predicted lineup: Martínez (GK), Digne, Nedeljkovic, Konsa, Cash, Tielemans, Bailey, Kamara, Ramsey, Watkins & Rogers
England Premier League 12/04/25
W
Southampton
0
Aston Villa
3
UEFA Champions League 09/04/25
L
PSG
3
Aston Villa
1
England Premier League 05/04/25
W
Nottm Forest
1
Aston Villa
2
England Premier League 02/04/25
W
Brighton
0
Aston Villa
3
England FA Cup 30/03/25
W
Preston
0
Aston Villa
3
Celtic preview: Unbeaten in last six
Despite only having one point fewer on the board in the Champions League this season, Celtic sit nine places below Aston Villa but do have enough points on the board to qualify for the play-offs.
The Scottish giants secured their spot in the play-off places courtesy of a dramatic 1-0 win at home against Swiss side Young Boys where an 86th-minute own goal secured all three points.
However, Japanese international Daizen Maeda was sent off late on and now he and the injured Odin Thiago Holm will now miss the trip to Villa Park.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, Johnston, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Idah, Kuhn & Furuhashi
Scotland Premiership 12/04/25
W
Kilmarnock
1
Celtic
5
Scotland Premiership 06/04/25
L
St Johnstone
1
Celtic
0
Scotland Premiership 29/03/25
W
Hearts
0
Celtic
3
Scotland Premiership 16/03/25
L
Rangers
3
Celtic
2
Scotland FA Cup 09/03/25
W
Hibernian
0
Celtic
2
Player to watch – Jhon Duran
Jhon Duran still might not be a regular in the Aston Villa starting lineup but the Colombian striker has scored plenty of goals for the Premier League side.
Duran top scores for Villa in the Champions League with three goals as well as chipping in with seven in the Premier League and two in the EFL Cup.
Will the Colombian add to his three Champions League goals?
We're backing the talented striker to make another big impact in the Champions League this week, one which will help guide Aston Villa to a huge three points.