Brugge and Aston Villa have confirmed their starting line-ups for the opening match of the group stage of the Champions League 2026/27 season.
For Aston Villa, this marks their first outing of the new European campaign following their triumphant Europa League victory last season. However, the team managed by Unai Emery is looking to bounce back after a rocky start in the Premier League, having secured just a single point from their opening three matches without scoring a goal.
Brugge's starting line-up
Ivan Leko has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Jan Sommer.
Defenders: Kiryani Sabbe, Hanbom Lee, Brandon Mechele, Joaquim Seys.
Midfielders: Freddy Potts, Hans Vanaken, Hugo Vetelelsen, Carlos Forbes, Jan Virjili.
Forward: Nicolo Tresoldi.
Sommer is one of Brugge's key signings this summer. In midfield, captain Hans Vanaken will be pivotal in orchestrating attacks, while Tresoldi takes centre stage up front.
Aston Villa's starting line-up
Unai Emery has also selected a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki.
Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen.
Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn, George Hemmings.
Forward: Nicolas Jackson.
All eyes will be on Nicolas Jackson, the forward who joined from Chelsea, as he steps into the starting line-up and aims to be Villa's main threat against Brugge.
Captain John McGinn will lead the team, with Lindelof partnering Mings in central defence.
Who's on the bench
Aston Villa's substitutes include Tammy Abraham, Alejandro Garnacho, Ross Barkley, Joao Gomes, and Amadou Onana.
Leon Goretzka misses out due to a knee injury, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Modou Keba Cisse are also not included in the squad. Harwood-Bellis was previously not registered for Villa's Champions League campaign.
Brugge's bench features Mamadou Diahon, Andreas Vasovic, Romeo Vermant, and Wisdom Mike.
Familiar foes meet again
Brugge and Aston Villa have faced each other in the Champions League before, specifically in the 2024/25 season. On that occasion, the Belgians snatched a 1-0 victory at home, but Villa avenged that defeat by triumphing 3-0 in the return leg.
This evening, the teams will once again clash in Brugge as they kick off the group stage of the Champions League.
