Aston Villa vs Celtic Prediction: Last at avoiding the play offs

Aston Villa will host Celtic in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two sides that have surprised many fans and pundits of the beautiful game.

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"I want to be in the top eight. Last week I was a great pessimist, after the defeat at Monaco. Now I am more optimistic, but really I just want to enjoy it with the supporters." Unai Emery. Emery will have to compete with having very important absentees in Ross Barkley, Pau Torres, and possibly Tyrone Mings.

Jota attracted the camera's gaze when Celtic trained at their Lennoxtown base on Tuesday, though the Portuguese returnee will not feature in Birmingham. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be missing Daizen Maeda.

Aston Villa Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1) Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Celtic Predicted Live-up (4-3-1-2) Schmeichel; Taylor, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Ralston; Hatate, McGregor, Engels; Bernado; Idah, Kuhn.

Double Chance - Home or Draw 3/20

Villa has developed good side since the departure of previous head coach Steven Gerrard. Unai Emery has helped the club achieve the impossible while ago providing them with a decent start to their UEFA Champions League campaign. Villa sat in the top eight for most of the campaign and come into this last match of the league stages in 9th level. on points with Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen who face Start Praha.

For Brendan Rodgers and Celtic this is a match they cannot afford to lose. Dropping points in this match would see them fall close to the drop zone. They have been impressive in recent weeks in this competition. They have managed to secure a five game unbeaten run and a position that see them climb the table and at the expense of Villa who they trail by 1 point.

Celtic’s wingers, particularly Jota and Maeda, provide pace and skill. However, without Maeda's services. They will be missing a vital part of their attack. A lot more will be expected from Kyogo Furuhashi, the central striker, who offers intelligent movement and clinical finishing. Villa have a very capable defence that will be happy to deal with any threats from Celtic.