How ex-Man United striker Robin van Persie fared against Aston Villa ahead of Feyenoord showdown
Robin Van Persie’s Feyenoord host Unai Emery and Aston Villa in the Europa League on Thursday.
The two sides have plenty of similarities, with two of Aston Villa’s current players previously representing Feyenoord.
George Boateng and Ron Vlaar both also represented the Dutch side before heading to the East Midlands, with an interesting fixture ahead on 2 October.
Aston Villa have a strong record against Dutch teams, having never lost in five games, but they face a tough test against van Persie’s side, who are top in the Eredivisie.
Robin van Persie has lost just once against Aston Villa
Emery is looking to continue his side’s strong start to the Europa League, with Aston Villa winning 1-0 against Bologna on 25 September.
However, if van Persie’s playing record against the Villans is anything to go by, they will be facing a tough test.
The former Dutch international was prolific for both Arsenal and Manchester United during his time in the Premier League, and put Villa to the sword multiple times.
Most notably, the ex-striker scored a hat-trick against Paul Lambert’s side in April 2013, a match that secured Man United’s 20th league title.
Following the game, van Persie described the night as “probably the most special” of his career.
In 12 games against his opponents, van Persie has lost just once, won seven, and drawn four.
His only defeat came in 2010-11, when he scored in a 2-1 defeat in the second-to-last game of the Premier League season at the Emirates.
Injury news for Feyenoord vs Aston Villa
Villa are still without Youri Tielemans, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana for the visit to the Netherlands.
Boubacar Kamara has been a regular in the Villa squad since returning from a long-term injury in September and could be involved.
- Lamare Bogarde and John McGinn have stepped up following injuries
- Boubacar Kamara could be selected for Feyenoord
Van Persie is without strikers Malcolm Jeng and Tsuyoshi Watanabe for the clash, which puts the Villans in good standing to continue their winning run.
Aston Villa can compound their misery in the Europa League, with Feyenoord having already lost 1-0 to Portuguese side Braga.
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