Match Overview

The match of the 3rd round of the 2025/26 group stage between “Go Ahead Eagles” (Netherlands) and “Aston Villa” (England) will take place on October 23 at the De Adelaarshorst stadium in Deventer. This preview provides a prediction, odds, and statistics for the Go Ahead Eagles vs Aston Villa match.

Go Ahead Eagles Team Analysis

The Dutch team is playing in the main stage of European competitions for the first time. Their debut was unsuccessful – they lost 0:1 at home to FCSB. However, in the second match of the group stage, the team sensationally defeated Panathinaikos (2:1), doing so in Greece. Thus, the club gained 3 points, which allowed them to climb to 16th place in the standings. 

Go Ahead Eagles Statistics

• In their 6 previous European matches, the club secured only 1 victory (2 draws and 3 losses).
• A maximum of 3 goals were scored in 5 out of 6 recent Go Ahead Eagles matches in European competitions.
• Both teams scored in 3 previous away matches of the Dutch team in European competitions. 

Go Ahead Eagles Provisional Line-up (4-2-3-1)*

Jari De Busscher – Dean James, Joris Kramer, Gerrit Nauber, Mats Deijl – Evert Linthorst, Melle Meulensteen – Mathis Suray, Jakob Breum, Rihonell Margaret – Milan Smits. 

Aston Villa Team Analysis

The English side made an excellent debut in the group stage. Unai Emery’s proteges defeated Bologna (1:0) at home and Feyenoord (2:0) away. With six points gained, the club entered the top seven, who achieved maximum results after two rounds. It’s also worth noting that, besides the Birmingham team, only two other opponents have not conceded a single goal.

Aston Villa Statistics

• Aston Villa won 6 out of 7 previous European matches.
• At least 3 goals were scored in 5 out of 7 recent matches of the English team in European competitions.
• Away from home, the Birmingham side has a 9-match uncompromising streak in European competitions (4 wins and 5 losses). 

Aston Villa Provisional Line-up (4-3-3)*

Marco Bizot – Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash – Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara – Evann Guessand, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Buendía.

Referee Profile

Filip Glova (Slovakia)

Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 41;

Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 31;

Penalties awarded – 25%.

Match Prediction: Go Ahead Eagles vs Aston Villa

In the upcoming match, I favor the visitors. The Dutch team has minimal experience playing on the international stage, and they only secured their first victory in European competitions in the previous round. Furthermore, in their opening match, the team struggled at home even against modest FCSB, while the Birmingham side represents the Premier League and is noticeably stronger than the Romanians. 

Aston Villa performed excellently in both their group stage matches. They achieved two “clean sheet” victories, against very strong opponents. Recall that last season the English played well in the main stage of the Champions League and even reached the round of 16 in the elite European competition. It is important for Aston Villa to secure their place in the playoffs of this tournament as early as possible, as they need to focus all their efforts on the Premier League, where they are facing challenges.

My prediction is – “Aston Villa Win”.

The starting line-up for each team is indicated as in their last match in this tournament.