Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Europa League Focus at Villa Park

Aston Villa host Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League tie that carries significance on and off the pitch. The match has been framed by intense scrutiny after West Midlands Police ruled the fixture high risk, which prevented visiting supporters from attending. The decision drew criticism across political lines, including intervention from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and triggered calls for an urgent rethink.

Maccabi later confirmed that even if restrictions were eased, they would not take up their allocation due to “a toxic atmosphere being created which makes the safety of our fans wishing to attend very much in doubt”. A protest is expected before kick off, and more than 700 police officers are set to be on duty.

Villa Aim to Settle into Rhythm

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have been searching for fluency in Europe. Two early wins against Bologna and Feyenoord had suggested momentum, but defeat to Go Ahead Eagles halted progress and left the side 10th in the wider competition standings. Emery has four players pushing for involvement. Harvey Elliott is available again after missing the trip to Liverpool, and Youri Tielemans has returned to training. Emi Buendia and Andres Garcia are also nearing fitness, although this match may come too soon for them.

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Maccabi Searching for Group Stage Lift

The visitors have yet to register a win in the league phase. Their route to the main draw came through a play off victory over Dynamo Kyiv, but a stalemate with PAOK followed by 3-1 and 3-0 losses to Dinamo Zagreb and Midtjylland has left them 32nd in the table. There are no injury concerns for the Israeli side and they will hope that clarity on the pitch offers respite from turbulence off it.

Broadcast, Details and Prediction

Kick off is at 8pm GMT today at Villa Park. TNT Sports 2 will show the match live, and subscribers can stream it through Discovery+.

Villa have not reached their levels of recent seasons, and the squad appears lighter, yet individual quality should carry them through. Prediction: Aston Villa to win, 2-0.