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Europa League team news as Aston Villa visit Fenerbahce
Aston Villa are seeking a win that would all but guarantee a top-eight finish in the Europa League and automatic qualification for the round of 16 when the Premier League side visit Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Villa’s European form has mirrored their strong performances in the top flight and five wins in their six games mea they remain among the title favourites in European club football’s second-tier competition, although they suffered a rare defeat with a 1-0 loss at home to Everton on Sunday.
Fenerbahce are 12th but know a win would put them in contention for the top eight ahead of next Thursday’s final round of games in the league phase.
Backed by their fervent support, Fener have defeated Nice and Stuttgart but boss Domenico Tedesco knows more is required against Villa.
“We beat [them] because of emotions, but without structure and possession we have no chance at this level,” said the former Belgium manager.
“[Villa] are a ball-playing team, but they have this unbelievable vertical approach. As soon as they have a free foot, they have two runners.
“They can play deep, press high, and play on counter-attacks. They are a complete team, and they have worked with this coach for many years. They are a great club and have a great coach.”
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The hosts make three changes from their win at Alanyaspor, with Jhon Duran starting alongside fellow former Villan Marco Asensio.
Fred, who spent five seasons with Manchester United, and Dorgeles Nene also come in.
Archie Brown, Levent Mercan and Sebastian Szymanski are out injured. Matteo Guendouzi, Anthony Musaba and Mert Gunok are ineligible in the Europa League until the knockout phase.
Fenerbahce starting XI: Ederson, Nelson Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Jayden Oosterwolde, Mert Muldur, Dorgeles Nene, Fred, Marco Asensio, Ismail Yuksek, Kerem Akturkoglu, Jhon Duran
Fenerbahce substitutes: Engin Biterge, Caglar Soyuncu, Edson Alvarez, Tarik Cetin, Yigit Demir, Oguz Aydin, Talisca, Haydar Karatas
Villa make five changes from their defeat against the Toffees and are without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, midfielders Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Ross Barkley and new winger Alysson.
Goalkeeper Marco Bizot comes in, as do Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings in central defence, Lucas Digne at left-back and wideman Jadon Sancho.
Midfielder Amadou Onana has returned to training and is on the bench.
Aston Villa starting XI: Marco Bizot, Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Jadon Sancho, Lamare Bogarde, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa substitutes: Sam Proctor, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Andres Garcia, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, Evann Guessand, Kadan Young, George Hemmings, James Wright
Fenerbahce vs Aston Villa kicks off at 17:45 GMT on Thursday. The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1.
An online stream will be accessible via Discovery Plus on supported devices.
Villa’s List A Europa League squad has been registered until the round of 16 in February 2026, when clubs can add a maximum of three new players within the existing limit of 25.
Goalkeepers: Emi Martinez, Marco Bizot
Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres
Midfielders: Andres García, Ian Maatsen, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Jadon Sancho, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, Harvey Elliott
Forwards: Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, Morgan Rogers, Evann Guessand
List B submissions, comprised of players born after January 1, 2004 who have been eligible to play for the club for an uninterrupted period of two years since their 15th birthday, can also be made until midnight before each match.
In a change from the previous group stage held until 2023/24, each team now plays eight matches in the league phase, all against different opponents.
The top eight sides in the table qualify automatically for the round of 16. The teams finishing in ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout phase play-off to reach the last 16.
Teams finishing 25th or lower are out of Europe for the season.
Knockout phase play-offs: February 17/18 & 24/25 2026
Round of 16: March 10/11 & 17/18 2026
Quarter-finals: April 7/8 & 14/15 2026
Semi-finals: April 28/29 and May 5/6 2026
Final: May 30 2026
Knockout phase play-offs: January 30 2026
Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final: February 27 2026
Villa qualified by finishing sixth in 2024/25, although they would have been in the Champions League had they not lost at Manchester United on the final day.
Nottingham Forest’s participation comes after they were promoted from the Conference League because of a UEFA ruling against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The final will take place on May 20 2026 at the Besiktas Stadium home of 16-time Turkish champions Besiktas.
The stadium hosted a dramatic 2019 Super Cup final, Chelsea and Liverpool each scoring once during regular and extra time before the Reds won on penalties following the 2-2 draw.
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