Aiming to extend a flawless start to life at Europe's top table, Champions League leaders Aston Villa will tackle Belgian champions Club Brugge on Wednesday evening.

Victory over Bologna last month secured maximum points from Villa's first three matches, with captain John McGinn and Colombian striker Jhon Duran bagging the goals in Birmingham.

Head coach Unai Emery again faces a tough decision as to whether the latter is handed another opportunity in midweek, or if preferred Premier League starter Ollie Watkins should continue to lead the line.

Duran has netted four league goals as a substitute, and memorably scored a spectacular winner after coming off the bench against Bayern Munich, but has recently started several cup games and may get the nod again in Bruges.

McGinn and Morgan Rogers are most likely to provide two-thirds of the lone forward's supporting cast, with Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey and Jaden Philogene all vying for the other spot.

Emiliano Martinez starts in goal, behind a backline that could see Diego Carlos introduced for the injured Matty Cash, with Ezri Konsa shuffling across to right-back; if Lucas Digne is rested, Ian Maatsen would feature on the left.

Returning to their homeland, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans will join forces in midfield, as Boubacar Kamara is still short of match-fitness following a long layoff; furthermore, Ross Barkley is sidelined by injury.

With Kamara and Tyrone Mings now back from lengthy injuries, only Cash and Barkley have missed out on the trip to Belgium.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Duran

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea