Aston Villa news

Unai Emery has responded to speculation suggesting that he is a leading contender to succeed Xabi Alonso as manager of Real Madrid. The Blancos are currently working under the tutelage of interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Various names have been added to the mix at the Bernabeu, with Aston Villa boss Emery said to be climbing that list.

Aston Villa’s Premier League title charge has been dealt a potential hammer blow after star striker Ollie Watkins limped off with a hamstring injury during Thursday's Europa League tie. Manager Unai Emery is facing intense scrutiny for risking his talisman in a 'dead rubber' against RB Salzburg, with pundits questioning why the England international was not rested ahead of a crucial run of domestic fixtures.

The Premier League is firmly on course to gain a fifth Champions League place for next season after a dominant display in Europe. With five English clubs storming into the last 16 and all nine representatives still active across the three competitions, the coefficient rankings show England miles clear of rivals Italy and Spain, sparking a frantic domestic battle for the lucrative extra berth.

How to watch the Europa League match between Aston Villa and Salzburg, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Aston Villa have announced the return of Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus for the rest of the season. The Brazil international swapped Villa for Juve in the summer of 2024 for £42 million ($58m), but the 27-year-old has endured a difficult 18 months since then. After failing to fire at the Italian side, his loan stint at Nottingham Forest hasn't worked either. Now, he is back with Unai Emery's side.

Three Aston Villa vs Salzburg predictions for their Europa League clash on Thursday night, including value on a goalscorer bet.

City cut the deficit to Arsenal from seven points to four. However, their xG and xGA data indicate they may already be overperforming this season.

Douglas Luiz is set for a sensational return to Aston Villa after agreeing a loan deal until the end of the season. The move will see his nightmare spell at Nottingham Forest cut short, with Unai Emery beating Chelsea to the signing of the Juventus midfielder. The Brazilian has agreed terms to help cover a midfield injury crisis at Villa Park, with the deal including an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is eager to leave Crystal Palace before the close of the January transfer window after becoming unsettled at the club. Aston Villa and Juventus have already been linked with a move for the striker but the Eagles have now received a hefty bid for the Frenchman from an unlikely source. Crystal Palace have already lost Marc Guehi this winter and are now facing waving goodbye to another key star.

In the week leading up to Arsenal vs Manchester United, a topic of debate was whether this version of the Gunners, who are chasing an unprecedented quadruple, would beat the 2007-08 Red Devils who won the Premier League and Champions League. As many have now pointed out, Mikel Arteta's side can't even beat the 2025-26 version.

Chelsea have been slapped with a £150,000 fine by the Football Association after a water bottle was thrown towards the Aston Villa dugout in their Stamford Bridge clash. The object was hurled at Villa's coaches during their 2-1 win at the Blues in late December. The west London team decided against contesting the charge and now they have received a hefty punishment for this "dangerous act".

Three Newcastle vs Aston Villa predictions for their Premier League match on Sunday afternoon, including value on a goalscorer pick.

Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers has revealed how he took inspiration from the “no-care attitude” of former Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba. The 23-year-old is now an enigmatic playmaker in his own right, capable of match-altering brilliance, and has a regular role with England at the 2026 World Cup in his sights.