Aston Villa v Fenerbahce: predicted line-ups for UEFA Champions League clash

Aston Villa host Fenerbahce at Villa Park in Birmingham on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, as both sides meet on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League.

The tactical decisions made by Unai Emery and Fenerbahce’s coaching staff could prove decisive in what is expected to be a closely contested match. Both teams have several absentees, but retain enough depth to name competitive starting XIs.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa will be without Brian Madjo, Leon Goretzka, Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Modou Keba Cisse, who are all unavailable because of injury.

Despite those absences, Emery can still call on a strong group of experienced players. Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the attack, with Emiliano Buendia offering creativity in midfield. Victor Lindelof is also likely to feature in the centre of defence.

The predicted Aston Villa line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Tyrone Mings, Matteo Ruggeri

Defensive midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes

Attacking midfielders: John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Johan Manzambi

Striker: Nicolas Jackson

Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce will also be missing key players, with Jayden Oosterwolde, Mert Muldur and Romelu Lukaku among those absent for the trip to Birmingham.

The Turkish side are expected to use the experience of N’Golo Kante and Matteo Guendouzi in central midfield. Their role will be to protect the defence and regain possession against an Aston Villa team expected to have considerable attacking threat.

Mason Greenwood and Kerem Akturkoglu are set to provide pace and creativity from the wide areas. Marco Asensio should operate between midfield and attack, linking with centre-forward Vedat Muriqi.

At the back, Milan Skriniar is expected to be the main organiser of the Fenerbahce defence.

The predicted Fenerbahce line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Defenders: Nelson Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Archie Brown

Defensive midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, N’Golo Kante

Attacking midfielders: Mason Greenwood, Marco Asensio, Kerem Akturkoglu

Striker: Vedat Muriqi

With the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League approaching, the pre-match betting prices make Aston Villa the favourites. The quoted odds are 1.58 for an Aston Villa victory, 3.90 for a draw and 4.70 for a Fenerbahce win.