Aston Villa welcome Viking FK to Villa Park on Wednesday night, aiming to make it three wins from three in the Champions League.

Unai Emery’s side have been outstanding in Europe so far, beating Club Brugge 3-2 away from home before demolishing Fenerbahçe 6-0 last week.

Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Newcastle provided another confidence boost, although Villa picked up a couple of injury concerns along the way.

Viking, meanwhile, have already produced one of the surprises of the Champions League campaign.

The Norwegian champions held Bayern Munich to a remarkable 3-3 draw last Tuesday, recovering from their opening 3-1 defeat against Stuttgart.

That result should serve as a warning to Villa. Viking might lack the European pedigree of their opponents, but they’ve already demonstrated that they can cause problems for elite opposition.

With both teams showing plenty of attacking quality, another entertaining evening could be on the cards.

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What are the best betting tips for Aston Villa vs Viking?

Aston Villa to win and over 2.5 goals

Aston Villa have made an excellent start to their Champions League campaign, scoring nine goals across their opening two matches.

Their 6-0 demolition of Fenerbahçe was particularly impressive, with Emery’s side showing just how dangerous they can be at Villa Park.

Viking have already conceded six goals in Europe, shipping three against both Stuttgart and Bayern Munich.

The Norwegian champions deserve credit for their attacking performances, but containing Villa’s forwards for 90 minutes could prove difficult.

With the hosts looking to maintain their perfect European record, a comfortable victory featuring at least three goals looks a strong possibility.

Nicolas Jackson anytime goalscorer

Nicolas Jackson has made an excellent start to Villa’s Champions League campaign, scoring three goals across their opening two fixtures.

The Senegal international has become an important part of Emery’s attacking setup, using his pace and movement to create problems for opposition defenders.

Viking have conceded three goals in each of their European matches, suggesting there could be opportunities for Jackson to exploit.

Villa should spend plenty of time attacking the visitors’ penalty area, particularly if they establish control early.

If Jackson starts, he looks a strong candidate to add to his European tally.

Both teams to score

Viking might be underdogs, but their performance against Bayern Munich suggests they shouldn’t be underestimated.

The Norwegian side scored three against the German champions and have found the net in both Champions League fixtures.

Villa have been excellent going forward, although their defensive options have been stretched by injuries.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to miss out and uncertainty surrounding other defenders, Viking could find opportunities on the counterattack.

The visitors have enough attacking quality to contribute to the scoreline, even if Villa ultimately prove too strong.

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What is Aston Villa’s predicted team?

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Suzuki; Cash, Lindelöf, Pau Torres, Bogarde; Kamara, Barkley; McGinn, Manzambi, Mbaye; Jackson.

Injured: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ian Maatsen, Matteo Ruggeri, Amadou Onana.

Doubts: Johan Manzambi, George Hemmings, Pau Torres, Matty Cash.

Suspended: None confirmed.

Unai Emery faces several defensive selection problems ahead of Wednesday’s match.

Wan-Bissaka suffered a hamstring injury against Newcastle and is expected to miss out, while Maatsen and Ruggeri remain unavailable.

That leaves Villa short of natural options at left-back, with Lamare Bogarde potentially required to fill in.

Manzambi scored the winner against Newcastle but was subsequently substituted after picking up a knock.

Emery suggested the problem wasn’t serious, although the midfielder’s fitness will need to be assessed.

Ross Barkley could retain his place following his two-goal performance against Fenerbahçe, while Jackson is expected to lead the attack.

Villa also face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, meaning Emery may consider rotating some of his regular starters.

What is Viking’s predicted team?

Formation: 4-3-3

Østbø; Heggheim, Stensness, Falchener, Haugen; Bjørdal, Bell, Askildsen; Christiansen, Botheim, Tripić.

Injured: Sondre Bjørshol, Anders Bærtelsen, Veton Berisha, Martin Ove Roseth, Nick D’Agostino.

Doubts: None confirmed.

Suspended: None confirmed.

Viking manager Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim is expected to retain much of the side that earned an impressive draw against Bayern Munich.

The Norwegian champions have several injury concerns, particularly in defence, but their attacking options remain dangerous.

Erik Botheim should lead the line, supported by Peter Christiansen and captain Zlatko Tripić.

Joe Bell is an important presence in midfield, helping Viking move the ball forward and maintain their shape.

The visitors are unlikely to dominate possession at Villa Park, but their willingness to attack quickly could cause problems for Emery’s side.

Aston Villa vs Viking stats

• Aston Villa have won both Champions League matches this season.
• Villa have scored nine goals across those two European fixtures.
• Emery’s side beat Fenerbahçe 6-0 at Villa Park last Wednesday.
• Aston Villa defeated Newcastle 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.
• Viking drew 3-3 with Bayern Munich in their previous Champions League match.
• The Norwegian side lost 3-1 against Stuttgart on matchday one.
• Viking have scored four goals and conceded six in Europe this season.
• Nicolas Jackson has scored three Champions League goals for Aston Villa this season.

Where can I watch Aston Villa vs Viking?

Aston Villa host Viking at Villa Park on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, with kick-off at 8 pm BST.

United Kingdom: TNT Sports / HBO Max. The specific channel should be checked against the final TV listings.

United States: Paramount+, with kick-off at 3 pm ET.

Canada: DAZN Canada, with kick-off at 3 pm ET.

Aston Villa vs Viking prediction

Aston Villa have been one of the most impressive teams in the Champions League so far.

Nine goals in two matches is an excellent return, and their demolition of Fenerbahçe showed just how ruthless Emery’s side can be when everything clicks.

Viking, however, have already demonstrated that they’re capable of troubling much stronger opponents.

Scoring three against Bayern Munich was no small achievement, and the Norwegian champions should arrive at Villa Park with plenty of confidence.

The visitors’ defensive record is less encouraging.

Conceding three goals in both European matches suggests they’ll struggle to contain Villa’s attacking movement, particularly if Jackson continues his impressive form.

Emery’s defensive injury problems could offer Viking some encouragement, and a clean sheet is far from guaranteed.

However, Villa should have too much quality in the final third.

Expect Viking to make things interesting, but the hosts to maintain their perfect Champions League record.

Score prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Viking

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