Aston Villa vs Fenerbahce: Why ex-Wolves liability Nelson Semedo could be in trouble against old rivals

Aston Villa made a winning start to their Champions League campaign by beating Club Brugge 3-2, but Unai Emery's side have looked less convincing domestically ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Fenerbahce.

The Turkish visitors held AS Roma to a 1-1 draw in their opening league-phase fixture and will fancy their chances of troubling a Villa defence that has struggled to find consistency.

With both sides looking more dangerous going forward than at the back, there could be value in the disciplinary markets, particularly with Nelson Semedo facing a potentially difficult evening against Villa's attacking midfielders.

Back Nelson Semedo to be booked against Aston Villa

Villa have scored 12 goals in five matches, with Nicolas Jackson, Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia and John McGinn offering plenty of attacking threat. However, the collective defensive resilience that once characterised Emery's side has been harder to find following a summer of vast upheaval.

Injuries are also adding to those concerns, with both left-backs Ian Maatsen and Matteo Ruggeri are unavailable, potentially leaving Aaron Wan-Bissaka to operate on his unfavoured side, while Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres could face a physical test against Fenerbahce's attacking options of either Vedat Muriqi or Romelu Lukaku.

That should create opportunities for McGinn and Manzambi to drive at the Turkish side's defence, with Semedo potentially in their path.

The Portuguese defender developed a reputation for picking up bookings during his time at Villa's former foes, Wolverhampton Wanderers, collecting 11, 11 and eight yellow cards across his final three seasons at Molineux. He has continued that trend in Turkey, receiving eight bookings in 26 appearances for Fenerbahce last season.

Semedo is yet to be booked in seven appearances this campaign, but he is averaging 1.3 fouls per game in the Super Lig and has committed four across his last two outings. He may have been fortunate to avoid a caution so far.

McGinn, meanwhile, has drawn 3.23 fouls per 90 minutes this season, including 15 across his last four appearances. Manzambi – if he starts on the left instead – has also been effective at winning free-kicks, averaging 2.13 fouls drawn per 90 and earning five in his last three appearances, two of which were starts.

If either player can repeatedly isolate Semedo, the former Wolves liability could find himself under pressure from the referee.

Aston Villa vs Fenerbahce best bets

Nelson Semedo to be carded – 10/3 (4.33) with Sky Bet

Semedo's history of bookings in England and Turkey makes this price appealing. With McGinn and Manzambi both capable of drawing fouls, the Fenerbahce defender could be tested throughout the match.

Nelson Semedo to be carded, Semedo two or more fouls and John McGinn three or more fouls won – 7/1 (8.00) with bet365

This bet builder combines Semedo's disciplinary risk with two related angles. McGinn has drawn 15 fouls in his last four appearances, while Semedo has committed four fouls across his last two games. If Villa's captain can reproduce that recent form, the 7/1 price offers an appealing alternative to the straight card market. If the Scotsman does not start, then take Manzambi to be fouled two or more times instead.