Key events
“Do you reckon that this reboot of In Bruges will top the black-comedy drama of the original?” asks Peter Oh.
I wait to see how Ben Fisher scripts it.
Marcus Rashford is given the nod on the left-hand side of attack. Unai Emery must be hoping he can use his European experience to help Aston Villa.
His Manchester United debut was in Europe and he did alright.
Starting lineups
Club Brugge (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Jashari, Onyedika; Tzolis, Vanaken, Talbi; Jutgla
Subs: Jackers, Romero, Vetlesen, Vermant, Nilsson, Skoras, Nielsen, Siquet, Spillers, Campbell
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Disasi, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins
Subs: Olsen, Zych, Cash, Pau Torres, Asesnio, Maatsen, Bogarde, Ramsey, Kamara
Referee: João Pinheiro
Nicky Hayen has gone from the Welsh Premier League to the Champions League pretty sharpish. I spoke to his former chairman at Haverfordwest about his time there (before Club Brugge Manchester City).
Ben Fisher and John McGinn combine to provide you with some preview material.
Preamble
A huge evening lies ahead for Aston Villa in Brugge. This is the Champions League last 16 and the favour has been relatively kind to the Premier League side who would expect to defeat their Belgian counterparts over two legs but they have already lost in Brugge this season. That loss was the result of some mild comedy/incompetence, depending on your point of you.
As John McGinn indicated in yesterday’s press conference, Villa are out for revenge and will be confident of providing it. Unai Emery’s side have been a mixed bag this season, partially down to the increase schedule caused by being involved in Europe’s top competition. They bolstered their options in January and will be hoping that is enough to take them far in the Champions League.
As for Club Brugge, they are overachieving with a fine team of youngsters. They caused problems for Manchester City in the final group game and then nigh-on humiliated Atalanta in the playoff. There is plenty of quality in their ranks and they will be eager to show it on the biggest stage once more.
Kick-off: 5.45pm GMT
