Aston Villa vs Red Bull Salzburg Predictions

• Aston Villa have won 11 of their last 12 home games
• Salzburg have lost all three of their Europa League away matches
• Both teams have scored in nine of Villa’s last 13 fixtures

Impressive Villa set for more home success

Aston Villa served up the perfect response to their disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Everton as they posted a pair of away wins to nil at Fenerbahce and Newcastle last week.

The Villans managed a hostile atmosphere well to grind out a 1-0 victory in Turkey on Thursday, three points which moved them second in the Europa League standings, before they outclassed the Magpies 2-0 at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Success in Istanbul means that Unai Emery’s side are assured of a top-eight finish in the Europa League coming into this clash so changes could be made now that they are within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal following their loss to Manchester United.

Austrian outfit may be out of their depth

Salzburg require a win to have any hope of advancing to the knockout stages but they have lost all three of their Europa League away games at Lyon, Bologna and Freiburg.

Even accounting for changes, Emery will be unable to rest all of his leading lights given their lack of squad depth and they had reeled off 11 straight home wins before blinking against Everton.

Salzburg, having won 3-1 at home to Basel on matchday seven, do pack a punch in the final third and they have no choice but to adopt positive tactics.

That could see the Austrians picked off by a dynamic forward line but they have scoring potential given both teams have scored in four of Villa’s last six at home, which includes a 2-1 success over Young Boys in this competition.