Young Boys vs Aston Villa Prediction 17 Sep 2024

⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 17 Sep 2024

⏰ 17:45 GMT +1

🏟 Stadion Wankdorf (Bern)

Young Boys and Aston Villa are set to make history as they play in the inaugural UEFA Champions League league phase. The Swiss side, having achieved their first-ever consecutive UCL appearances this season, will aim for a significant milestone: a springtime UCL appearance. However, their recent European home form has been poor, with four losses in their last seven European home games. Domestically, they are struggling, sitting at the bottom of the Swiss Super League after a winless start, although they are unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions.

In contrast, Aston Villa has been performing well domestically, with nine points from their first four Premier League games. Their recent 3-2 comeback win against Everton was an encouraging lead-up to their UCL debut. Villa, making their first UCL appearance, will need to overcome their historical difficulty against Swiss teams and improve their recent European away form, having won only two of their last 11 away games in European competitions. Despite this, they have started their domestic away campaign strongly with two consecutive 2-1 victories.

Players to watch: For Young Boys, Darian Maleš, who scored a late winner in the cup, could be influential, especially since he has a knack for scoring early in games. For Aston Villa, Jacob Ramsey, a boyhood Villa fan, will be eager to make his mark in their UCL debut; he has a tendency to score early in matches, having done so in three of his last four club goals.

Where to watch Young Boys vs Aston Villa?

📺 Link to watch Young Boys vs Aston Villa Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Darian Maleš (Young Boys), Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa)

⚡️ Match Facts: Young Boys have never kept a clean sheet against English opposition in 12 games (W2, D2, L8). Aston Villa is making its UCL debut.

💡 Young Boys vs Aston Villa Prediction

Young Boys, despite their historic achievement of back-to-back UCL appearances, are struggling domestically and have shown poor form in recent European home games. Aston Villa, while having some patchy away form in Europe, comes into this match with strong domestic form and a recent win providing a boost. Villa's better form and recent successes suggest they are likely to start their UCL campaign with a victory, although Young Boys' home advantage could make it a tight contest.

Young Boys vs Aston Villa Betting Tips

• Aston Villa to win: Villa's recent domestic form and strong start to the season make them the favorites.
• Over 2.5 goals: Given Young Boys' defensive struggles and Villa's attacking prowess, expect a high-scoring game.
• Jacob Ramsey to score anytime: Ramsey’s tendency to score early in matches makes him a good bet to find the net.