Aston Villa are in great form as they head to Switzerland to face Basel in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) on Thursday night. Indeed, the Villans are in high spirits after beating Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-1 with a last-minute winner at Villa Park over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Basel were also 2-1 victors in the Swiss top flight, beating Winterthur away from home. However, the hosts can expect a much tougher test up against Unai Emery’s in-form side, who could go top of the league phase table with victory here.
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Basel vs Aston Villa prediction: Villans to become heroes once again?
Key stats
- Basel are winless in two previous home games.
- Villa have won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Villa are unbeaten in the previous two H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Basel 1-3 Aston Villa
With Villa in such good form, we are expecting them to have little trouble on their travels. However, a lack of clean sheets accompanied with their recent victories could be a slight worry, especially if they decide to rotate their strongest XI.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Villa massive favourites to emerge victorious
- HOME: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- AWAY: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Villa are heavily favoured by the bookmakers to take all three points here. A draw can still be backed at 25%, while a Basel win is rated at just 1.2% less.
Also, do not forget to check out more of our football betting tips page for more of our expert UEL predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Villa unbeaten
As mentioned before, Villa are unbeaten in the previous two H2Hs, with both meetings coming in 2001. The Villans won 4-1 on home soil, and drew 1-1 in Switzerland.
Basel preview: Eduardo only injury
Kaio Eduardo is Basel’s only expected absentee from the squad through injury. The hosts are expected to make a fairly strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Hitz (GK); Tsunemoto, Adjetey, Daniliuc, Schmid; Otele, Metinho, Leroy, Traore; Agbonifo & Shaqiri
Last five results:
- Winterthur 1-2 Basel
- Grand-Saconnex 1-3 Basel
- Basel 0-0 St. Gallen
- Genk 2-1 Basel
- Grasshoppers 1-1 Basel
Aston Villa preview: Rotation expected?
With a busy Christmas schedule coming up, we are expecting Villa to rotate their squad for this one, especially given that they are in a strong position in the league phase table. Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley are their only notable absentees through injury.
Predicted lineup: Bizot (GK); Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Digne; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Sancho & Malen
Last five results:
- Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
- Brighton 3-4 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 1-0 Wolves
- Aston Villa 2-1 Young Boys
- Leeds 1-2 Aston Villa
Player to watch: Emi Buendia
Emi Buendia was the hero at Villa Park at Saturday lunchtime as his well-taken strike clinched the Villans all three points in a dramatic late 2-1 victory over Arsenal, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points. The Argentine midfielder may be rewarded with an opportunity from the start here, and is sure to cause plenty of problems again.