Aston Villa vs RB Salzburg

The league phase of the UEFA Europa League concludes tonight, Thursday, January 29, 2026, with a high-stakes encounter at Villa Park as Aston Villa hosts RB Salzburg. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

For Unai Emery’s side, the "jeopardy" is low—they have already mathematically secured a top-eight finish and direct passage to the Round of 16. However, for RB Salzburg, this is a survival mission. Currently sitting in 28th place (6 points), the Austrian champions must win in Birmingham and hope for a favorable swing in results elsewhere to climb into the top 24 for a play-off spot.

Match Information

Aston Villa: Rotations and Milestones

Having defeated Fenerbahçe 1–0 last week to confirm their top-eight status, Unai Emery is expected to rotate his squad to manage an ongoing injury crisis in the domestic league. Despite the changes, Villa Park remains a fortress; the Villans are chasing a record-breaking seventh successive home win in European competition.

Team News and Selection:

• Midfield Crisis: Youri Tielemans (ankle), John McGinn (knee), and Boucar Kamara (season-ending knee injury) are all sidelined. Ross Barkley is nearing a return but remains a doubt.

• Fresh Blood: 18-year-old George Hemmings is tipped for a rare start in the engine room.

• Ineligible: January signings Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz (returned from loan) are not registered for the league phase.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Lindelöf, Mings, Digne; Bogarde, Onana, Hemmings; Sancho, Guessand, Buendía.

RB Salzburg: The "Survival" Sprint

After a dismal start to the campaign, Thomas Letsch’s side kept their hopes alive with a clinical 3–1 victory over Basel last week. However, the task tonight is daunting: Salzburg has never won a competitive game on English soil and has lost five consecutive away matches in major European competitions.

Team News and Selection:

• Attacking Threats: Teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegovic is the man in form after his brace against Basel. He will support top scorer Petar Ratkov, who has 12 goals this season.

• Absences: Takumu Kawamura and John Mellberg remain out with long-term knee injuries.

• The Math: A draw is likely insufficient for Salzburg; they need all three points to reach 9 total and stand a chance of play-off qualification.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Schlager; Trummer, Gadou, Schuster, Krätzig; Kitano, Diabaté, Bidstrup; Baidoo, Ratkov, Alajbegovic.

? League Phase Standings (Top & Bubble)

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Expect Aston Villa to control the tempo with Amadou Onana anchoring the midfield. While Salzburg will bring high-intensity energy and a "nothing to lose" attitude, Villa's depth and tactical discipline under Emery usually prevail at home. The absence of Villa's starting midfield trio might give Salzburg some openings, but the clinical nature of Jadon Sancho and Emiliano Buendía on the counter should be the difference.

Final Score Prediction: Aston Villa 2–0 RB Salzburg