Villa endured a miserable start to the 2025-26 season, failing to win any of their first six matches across all competitions (three draws, three defeats). However, they appear to be turning a corner after back-to-back home wins within three days.
Captain John McGinn struck the decisive goal in the 1-0 Europa League win over Bologna before finding the net again in the Premier League against Fulham, a game Villa won 3-1 with Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia also on the scoresheet.
Although Emery admits his side have not yet hit their usual stride, he insists Villa are “progressively getting better” following their difficult start. The victory over Fulham also lifted them out of the relegation zone, providing much-needed confidence heading into Europe.
This will be Villa’s first away match in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) since February 2009, when Martin O’Neill’s team lost 2-0 to CSKA Moscow. Their record on the continent has been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses across their last seven away fixtures, including defeat to eventual Champions League winners PSG back in April.
History, though, offers encouragement. The Birmingham club are unbeaten in five European games against Dutch opposition (four wins, one draw), the longest such streak they hold against any nation.
Domestically, Feyenoord have started strongly, taking 19 points from a possible 21 to lead the Eredivisie table, three points clear of reigning champions PSV. Their latest league outing saw them beat Groningen 1-0 away, with in-form forward Ayase Ueda scoring the only goal.
That result came just days after their Europa League opener ended in disappointment, as they lost 1-0 to Braga while managing just a single shot on target.
European form away from home has long been an issue for the Rotterdam club, with only one win from their last 20 Europa League away games (seven draws, 11 defeats). At home, however, they are far more formidable, currently on a six-game unbeaten run in front of their supporters while averaging three goals per match.
Head coach Robin van Persie, who famously scored eight times against Villa as a player with Arsenal and Manchester United, will hope to draw on that history. Still, Feyenoord’s overall record against English clubs is less impressive, with just eight wins from 28 European meetings (six draws, 14 defeats)—though all of those victories came at De Kuip.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Feyenoord have been dealt a blow with defender Malcolm Jeng set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a lower-leg injury picked up in Sunday’s win over Groningen.
Arne Slot’s side are already missing Gernot Trauner (Achilles), Thomas Beelen (leg) and former Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder, though Anel Ahmedhodzic is back in contention after serving a domestic suspension last weekend. In midfield, Quinten Timber – twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber – is expected to partner Oussama Targhalline, while in-form striker Ayase Ueda, who has six goals in nine appearances this season, should continue to lead the line.
For Aston Villa, there are also concerns. Captain John McGinn will be assessed before kickoff after admitting he “couldn’t run properly” in the win over Fulham due to a knock and had considered coming off at half-time. Tyrone Mings is another doubt after limping off early in that same match, adding to a growing list of absentees.
Amadou Onana (thigh), Youri Tielemans (calf) and Ross Barkley (fitness/ineligibility) remain unavailable, which could open the door for Pau Torres or Victor Lindelof to start alongside Ezri Konsa in central defence if Mings is not passed fit. Further forward, Emiliano Buendia, Boubacar Kamara, Ian Maatsen, Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho will all be pushing for starting spots after beginning on the bench last time out.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Feyenoord possible starting lineup:
Wellenreuther; Nieuwkoop, Ahmedhodzic, Watanade, Bos; Timber, Targhalline; Borges, Steijn, Diarra; Ueda
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; McGinn, Kamara; Guessand, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins
EXPERT PREDCITION
Feyenoord 1-1 Aston Villa
