Aston Villa face Dutch club Feyenoord in their second match of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League on October 2 at Stadion Feijenoord.
After bagging their first win in this Premier League campaign against Fulham last weekend, Villa stand 16th in the top flight with six points from six matches. They were also eliminated from the third round of the Carabao Cup by Brentford in September.
Amidst their struggles this season, Villa were able to secure a 1-0 win over Bologna in their opening match of the Europa League.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, are on top of the Eredivisie table with 19 points by maintaining a seven-match undefeated streak. Despite their domestic success, the Rotterdam-based club suffered a 1-0 loss in their first match of the European competition against Braga.
Back in 2010, Aston Villa and Feyenoord played against each other in a club friendly, where the English club earned a 3-1 win. This makes Thursday's Europa League match their first-ever competitive encounter.
Villa fans of a certain age will have fond memories of playing at this venue, as it's where they won the 1982 European Cup final against Bayern Munich.
Feyenoord vs. Aston Villa lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Feyenoord will be without defenders Malcolm Jeng, who recently underwent surgery after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture, Gernot Trauner, who is also nursing an Achilles problem, and Thomas Beelen, who has broken leg.
Jakub Moder is sidelined with back problems, but Quinten Timber is expected to return to action after recently picking up a minor knock. Anel Ahmedhodzic is available after serving a suspension in domestic play.
Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie will be looking to lead his squad to translate their domestic success to the Europa League and bag their first win in the UEFA competition this season.
Feyenoord predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Wellenreuther (GK) — Nieuwkoop, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Bos — Timber, Targhalline — Borges, Steijn, Diarra — Ueda
Injured: Jeng (Achilles), Trauner (Achilles), Beelen (leg), Moder (back), Timber (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Villa's victory against Fulham saw midfielder John McGinn and defender Tyrone Mings pick up knocks. Mings has been ruled out until after the international break.
Amadou Onana remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Youri Tielemans is out with a calf injury, and Ross Barkley is lacking full fitness to take the pitch.
Villa head coach Unai Emery will not be willing to risk their chances in the Europa League, especially after being eliminated from their domestic cup, and will be hoping for his squad to maintain their three-match undefeated streak across competitions.
Aston Villa predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen — McGinn, Kamara — Guessand, Rogers, Sancho — Watkins
Injured: Onana (thigh), Tielemans (calf), Barkley (fitness), McGinn (thigh, doubt), Mings (knock)
Suspended: None
Feyenoord vs. Aston Villa match details
- Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Kickoff timing: 9 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. AEST (October 3)
- Location: Stadion Feijenoord, Rotterdam (Netherlands)
- Competition: UEFA Europa League league phase matchday 2
- Referee: Rade Obrenovic (SVN)
- VAR: Alen Borosak (SVN)
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