One of Wednesday’s key battles in the UEFA Champions League will see Aston Villa welcome Celtic for a historic first meeting of the two sides, with automatic progression to the round-of-16 on the line for both clubs.
Unai Emery’s side sit above Celtic in the revamped league phase standings heading into this final matchday, but three points against the Scottish side still wouldn’t be enough to guarantee direct progression to the last 16 unless one of the five teams above them in the table slip up.
Speaking to reporters at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground ahead of Wednesday’s match, Emery praised Celtic’s history in Europe and suggested that “we are excited and motivated to enjoy” the occasion.
“They have very experienced players, international players and are going to play tomorrow here feeling confident. The club is a prestigious club and the players feel they are a team to play in Europe, the Champions League.”
Celtic benefit from having been rested over the weekend, with their SPFL clash against Dundee postponed due to Storm Éowyn, while Aston Villa were held to a draw by West Ham United.
Emery told reporters that he feels his Villa side “have enough players [fit] to compete and feel confident. Some versatile players have to feel confident when they are playing, for example on Sunday with Lucas Diane playing at centre-back because he has a left foot for our build up.”
“He’s an experienced player and he can feel confident playing as a centre-back in case we need him. I’m analysing everything, firstly, in case Tyrone Mings is available then he will play.”
The 53-year-old coach also explained his shift in mindset over the course of the week, admitting that “last week, I was a little bit pessimistic after the match against Monaco, but overall we are doing a fantastic way.”
“We [have] 13 points and it’s not in our hands, but other teams have to win tomorrow in case we are winning.”
“I want to play the match and I want to enjoy tomorrow with our supporters on day eight of the Champions League this year. We are excited and motivated. The players are showing us that they are enjoying the Champions League. We’re enjoying competing, enjoying trying to win and enjoying trying to create a strong atmosphere with our supporters,” he added.