Aston Villa vs Viking: Why enticing Nicolas Jackson odds are too good to ignore in Champions League

Aston Villa appear to have found their rhythm after a difficult summer, with Unai Emery's side now unbeaten in five matches ahead of Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Viking FK.

A 6-0 home win over Fenerbahce was followed by a 1-0 victory at Newcastle United, while Villa have also already beaten Club Brugge 3-2 in the league phase. They will be confident of extending that winning European run against a Viking side who have conceded three goals in both of their opening matches.

Nicolas Jackson has been central to Villa's attacking threat, scoring three times in two Champions League outings.

With the visitors vulnerable defensively, the striker looks worth backing to deliver again.

Back Nicolas Jackson to punish Viking FK

Villa's recent European matches have regularly produced goals, with six of their last seven Champions League fixtures featuring at least four. Viking's defensive record suggests another open contest could be on the cards, particularly if Emery's side start aggressively at Villa Park.

The Norwegian visitors showed their attacking potential in a dramatic draw with Bayern Munich after taking a 2-0 lead, but they eventually conceded three times. Their backline also shipped three goals against Stuttgart, leaving them with plenty to improve defensively.

Jackson should be well placed to exploit those weaknesses. Across Villa's last ten matches in all competitions, the striker has averaged 3.46 shots per 90 minutes, including 1.52 on target. He has also made an impressive start to his Champions League campaign, finding the net three times in two appearances.

There could be some value in looking beyond the straightforward anytime scorer market, too. Viking conceded three headed shots on target to Harry Kane against Bayern, including a goal, and Jackson has the physical attributes to trouble them in similar fashion.

With Villa creating chances and Jackson taking his opportunities, backing him to score and register a headed shot on target offers an interesting alternative. A brace is also worth considering given his European form, while a header at any time provides an even bigger price.

Aston Villa vs Viking FK best bets

Nicolas Jackson to score two or more goals – 15/4 (4.75) with Ladbrokes

Jackson has scored three times in his first two Champions League outings, and Viking have conceded three goals in both of their league-phase matches. If Villa dominate as expected, the striker could get enough opportunities to claim a brace.

Nicolas Jackson to score and register one headed shot on target – 17/5 (4.40) with bet365

Jackson's scoring form makes the first part of this bet appealing, while Viking's struggles against Bayern provide encouragement for the headed-shot market. His movement and physical presence could create opportunities in the penalty area.

Nicolas Jackson to score a header – 8/1 (9.00) with William Hill

This is the more speculative option, but the price is tempting. Viking have already shown vulnerability to aerial efforts in Europe, and Jackson could capitalise if Villa deliver quality crosses into the box.

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