Aston Villa welcome Norwegian champions Viking FK to Villa Park tonight as they aim to extend their perfect start in the Champions League league phase. Unai Emery's side have won their opening two matches against Club Brugge and Fenerbahce, placing them third in the table.
Villa's impressive form
Villa's 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce last week highlighted their attacking strength, and their recent results have helped them move past a difficult start to the domestic season. They have won five of their last seven matches in all competitions and will look to continue that momentum against the Norwegian side.
Viking, however, should not be underestimated. The Eliteserien winners are competing in the Champions League for the first time in over three decades and demonstrated their quality last week by holding Bayern Munich to a thrilling 3-3 draw. That result will give the visitors confidence as they travel to England, with a place in the knockout rounds a target for a side enjoying a memorable European campaign.
How to watch and stream
Aston Villa vs Viking FK kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, October 21, at Villa Park in Birmingham. The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK, with a TNT Sports subscription required to watch the game.
The game can be streamed live through the HBO Max app and website by TNT Sports subscribers. Supporters can also access TNT Sports through a sports pass on HBO Max without committing to a long-term contract.
Team news
Aston Villa will be without Johan Manzambi for the visit of Viking after the midfielder picked up a minor injury in the win over Newcastle United. The Switzerland international has made an impressive start to life at Villa, contributing three goals and three assists in six appearances, but Emery confirmed he would miss Wednesday's European fixture.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also unavailable and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, while Matteo Ruggeri remains out with an injury that could keep him away for around two months. There is more positive news regarding Ian Maatsen, who has returned to training and is working his way back into contention. Youngster George Hemmings has also returned after a minor issue.
Emery must also weigh up the physical demands on his squad, with Manchester City visiting Villa Park on Saturday. Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Nicolas Jackson are among the players who have had limited opportunities to rest this season, meaning the Villa boss could consider changes. However, with Viking having already shown their ability to compete against elite opposition, Emery may be reluctant to make wholesale alterations as his side chase a third consecutive Champions League victory.
