Aston Villa vs Celtic tips and predictions: Watkins to score as Villa secure victory?

Aston Villa state of play

The Villans have already secured their progress through the league phase of the Champions League, but they will be hoping to finish in the top eight to avoid the play-offs and go straight into the last 16. 

Unai Emery’s side were defeated 1-0 by Monaco last time out in the competition, meaning they now sit in ninth place in the table. With Villa nine games unbeaten at Villa Park, they’ll fancy their chances of securing the three points against Celtic. 

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Stuttering domestic form (back-to-back draws) means the Midlands outfit are eighth in this season’s Premier League and four points outside the top four, so Emery will be hoping for an impressive showing to help get things back on track.

Celtic state of play

Celtic themselves have guaranteed a play-off spot, and a shock victory at Villa Park could yet see them finish in the top eight, meaning they would automatically qualify for the knockout rounds. 

However, Brendan Rodgers’ side have struggled on the road in Europe so far this campaign, failing to win any of their three away games. 

Celtic’s domestic form could give them confidence heading into this one, having lost just one of their 23 Scottish Premiership matches this season to open up a 10-point lead over Rangers. The Champions League is undoubtedly on another level though, and Emery’s side will be tricky opposition for the Bhoys.

Key talking point: Can Ollie Watkins finally find the back of the net in Europe?

Scoring goals has been an easy task for Ollie Watkins over the last couple of years in the Premier League. The former Brentford man played a key role in Villa qualifying for the Champions League last season, but hitting the back of the net has been tricky for him in Europe.

The England international is yet to get his name on the scoresheet in the Champions League, despite starting six times for Emery’s side. 

Watkins has produced 10 shots in Europe this season, with three of those being on target. In his last three Premier League games, Watkins has found the back of the net twice, against tough defensive opposition in Arsenal and Everton.

With Celtic yet to find a victory on the road in the competition, it could be an ideal time for Watkins to find his first goal in the Champions League for Villa.

FIRST’s top tip for Aston Villa vs Celtic

Ollie Watkins to score and over 1.5 match goals – 23/25 (Mr.Play)

Celtic have conceded seven goals in three games on the road in the competition. With Watkins in fine form, I think we should finally see him score in Europe.

Extra tips

Celtic to score – No - 73/50 (Mr.Play)

Rodgers’ side have scored just once on the road in the Champions League this season, and Villa should have too much for them this week.

Team news

Tyrone Mings looks set to miss out for Aston Villa after picking up an injury at the weekend, while Ross Barkley, Pau Torres and Amadou Onana remain out.

For Celtic, Daizen Maeda will miss the game due to suspension, while James Forrest and Odin Thiago Holm are injured.

Aston Villa v Celtic predicted line-ups

Aston Villa:  Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Digne, Maatsen; Tielemans, Kamara; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins (4-2-3-1)

Celtic: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Palma (4-3-3): 

Form guide (all competitions)

Aston Villa: LWLDWWWDLD

Celtic: DWWLWWWDWW