Feyenoord vs Aston Villa Preview

• Les deux équipes doivent marquer
• Plus de 2,5 buts

The UEFA Europa League serves up a fascinating clash as Feyenoord, led by Robin van Persie, take on Aston Villa under the guidance of four-time competition-winning manager Unai Emery. This is a meeting of tradition and modern resurgence: Feyenoord, one of Dutch football’s great institutions, face an English side revitalised by a coach who has built his reputation in this very tournament.

The Dutch champions suffered an early setback in their European campaign, losing 1-0 to Braga on matchday one. That result was just their second defeat in ten matches across all competitions this season (W7, D1, L2), highlighting the consistency they have shown under Van Persie’s leadership.

Confidence was quickly restored at the weekend with a narrow 1-0 victory over Groningen, and Feyenoord will now aim to transfer that winning feeling into Europe. Their home form in this competition provides reason for optimism: they are unbeaten in their last six Europa League fixtures in Rotterdam (W4, D2), scoring an impressive 18 goals while conceding just four. That kind of dominance at De Kuip makes them a dangerous proposition for any visiting side.

Aston Villa entered the Europa League group stage in poor shape, having gone seven matches without a win in all competitions (D3, L4). But true to form, Emery found a way to turn things around. Villa’s 1-0 victory over Bologna in their group opener was a gritty display, and they followed it up with a morale-boosting 3-1 Premier League win over Fulham at the weekend.

Much of Villa’s confidence stems from Emery’s extraordinary pedigree in this competition. The Spaniard has managed 101 Europa League matches, winning 66, drawing 22, and losing just 13. Remarkably, he has guided teams to four titles, making him the most successful coach in the tournament’s history. Still, Feyenoord will take encouragement from the fact that one of those 13 defeats came against them back in 2014, when Emery was in charge of Sevilla.

Historique du face-à-face

This will be the first competitive meeting between Feyenoord and Aston Villa.

However, Feyenoord are well acquainted with English opposition. This fixture marks their 29th encounter against a team from England, with a mixed record of W8, D6, L14. Historically, they have struggled for consistency in these ties, though their famous stadium has often played host to memorable European nights.

Villa, meanwhile, boast an encouraging record against Dutch clubs, remaining unbeaten in five previous head-to-heads (W4, D1). That history will give the Premier League side confidence as they travel to Rotterdam in search of another statement win.

Statistiques et séries chaudes

• Just one of Feyenoord’s last six matches saw both teams score.
• Eleven of Feyenoord’s last 15 European fixtures produced over 2.5 goals.
• Five of Aston Villa’s last six European games also delivered over 2.5 goals.
• Villa have scored exactly one first-half goal in three of their last four matches.

Acteurs clés à surveiller

Feyenoord

Ayase Ueda has emerged as a key figure for Van Persie’s side. The Japanese forward struck the decisive goal against Groningen at the weekend and has a remarkable record with the club.

Feyenoord have won all 18 matches in which he has found the net. His finishing ability and knack for scoring in tight encounters could prove crucial against Villa’s defensive unit.

Aston Villa

For Villa, captain John McGinn has been their difference-maker in recent outings. He netted the winner against Bologna and followed it up with the go-ahead strike against Fulham.

His record when scoring is particularly impressive, with Villa winning 16 of the last 17 matches in which McGinn has found the net (L1). His leadership, work rate, and timely contributions in front of goal make him indispensable in Emery’s system.

Nouvelles de l'équipe et joueurs manquants

Feyenoord could be without Malcolm Jeng, who was forced off at half-time during the weekend’s victory. His absence would be a blow to Van Persie, limiting options in midfield.

Aston Villa face a similar issue at the back, with Tyrone Mings hobbling off against Fulham. If unavailable, Emery will need to reshuffle his defensive line, potentially relying on depth in the squad to maintain balance at the back.

Analyse tactique

Feyenoord are likely to lean on their strong home form, using their high-tempo pressing and attacking combinations to unsettle Villa early. The hosts have been prolific in the Europa League at De Kuip, and Van Persie will want his side to take the initiative in front of their fans.

Villa, meanwhile, are expected to take a more pragmatic approach. Emery’s track record in this competition is built on control, organisation, and clinical finishing. With McGinn in form and attacking options like Ollie Watkins to call upon, Villa will look to strike in moments of transition. Emery’s tactical nous could be decisive, particularly if Villa manage to frustrate Feyenoord’s attack during the opening stages.

Analyse des paris

The statistics point towards goals, with both teams showing a tendency for high-scoring matches in Europe. Over 2.5 goals could be a popular market, especially given that 11 of Feyenoord’s last 15 continental fixtures and five of Villa’s last six produced three or more strikes.

Given Emery’s pedigree, another angle is to back Aston Villa to score in the first half. They have managed exactly one first-half goal in three of their last four outings, and Emery often sets his sides up to establish control early.

Prédiction

This promises to be a captivating contest between two clubs with different motivations but equal ambition. Feyenoord’s strong home form makes them a formidable opponent, yet Villa’s resurgence under Emery and his unparalleled Europa League record cannot be overlooked.

Prediction: Feyenoord 2-2 Aston Villa

Pour plus d'informations sur ce jeu, vous pouvez également visiter :
Feyenoord vs Aston Villa | UEFA Europa League 2025/26