Feyenoord v Aston Villa – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Dutch giants sit top of the Eredivisie but lost to Braga on matchday one. Villa squeezed past Bologna in their European opener.

Feyenoord Form

Feyenoord sit top of the league with six wins and a draw in seven Eredivisie fixtures. Robin Van Persie’s side have faced three opponents who have had a man sent off this season. After five straight wins, they drew 3-3 away to AZ Alkmaar as they leaked a 98th-minute goal.

Their opening game in the Europa League saw a 1-0 loss away to Braga. Feyenoord put up just 0.27 xG and one shot on target in a toothless display. On Sunday, they beat FC Groningen 1-0 away despite having just 40% of the ball in the second half as they clung onto a lead.

Feyenoord Team News

Centre back Malcolm Jeng went off injured in the last match and is a doubt here. Anel Ahmedhodzic is available after a domestic suspension to take his place. Jakub Moder has not played in four months and is a major doubt in midfield.

There are further injury concerns over centre backs Gernot Trauner and Thomas Beelen, whilst attacking midfielder Shiloh Zand needs a late fitness test. Ayase Ueda has scored six goals this season and is a key man.

Feyenoord Motivation

Feyenoord are in need of a result here after their matchday one defeat. They will play to win at home, but this is a must-not-lose.

Van Persie’s side are not the most adventurous and don’t tend to play an open, Dutch style.

Aston Villa Form

Villa have had a very difficult season so far. They failed to score in their opening four league matches with just two points accrued in 0-0 stalemates. A 1-1 draw at Brentford in the Carabao Cup ended in a loss on penalties.

A fourth draw in six matches followed away to Sunderland as a lead was surrendered despite having 71% possession and facing ten men for an hour. They have finally kick-started their season by beating Bologna 1-0 in the Europa League and seeing off Fulham 3-1 at home last Sunday despite having just four shots on target.

Aston Villa Team News

There are three injuries ahead of this match. Right back Alexander Bah is ruled out and so is defensive midfielder Manu Silva. Speedy left winger Bruma will also play no part.

Mourinho’s main decisions are over which wide players to select. Franjo Ivanovic and Dodi Lukebakoi are competing down the right. On the left, it’s either Fredrik Aursnes or Andreas Schjelderup.

Aston Villa Motivation

Villa’s confidence is low right now. They are not creating chances and look less defensively compact than usual.

Emery is experienced in these ties and will go to the Netherlands to try to win. However, avoiding defeat and leaving with a point is not a bad result at all.

Key Stats

• Feyenoord have won 6 of their 8 matches this season
• Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda has scored 6 goals this season
• Aston Villa have drawn 3 of their 4 away matches this season

Verdict

A tight match is expected here. A draw looks like excellent value.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.40

Correct Score: Feyenoord 1-1 Aston Villa at 5.75

Anytime Goalscorer Tip: Ayase Ueda at 2.95