Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Mon 18 May 2026 17:10, UK

Aston Villa are preparing to make history on Wednesday as they take on Freiburg in the Europa League final.

The Villans began this season-defining period in stunning fashion on Friday with a 4-2 win over Liverpool.

Ollie Watkins scored a brace at Villa Park, with superb strikes from Morgan Rogers and John McGinn coming either side of his goals.

As a result, a return to the Champions League was secured with a game to spare, bringing an end to recent concerns after a stuttering run of form.

Playing in their first final for 11 years at the home of Besiktas, Villa face Freiburg, who head into the clash in fine form themselves.

Unai Emery remains consistent with team selection as Freiburg clash awaits

In recent weeks, the debate over Unai Emery’s team selection has continued, with his rotation in the defeat to Tottenham coming under fire.

Against Liverpool last time out, however, the Spaniard stayed consistent, selecting his strongest side in a bid to secure a top-five finish against the dethroned champions.

Luckily, the Villans have had a decent break between the two clashes, meaning Emery had the chance to go full strength on Friday.

However, two changes may be in order, with Douglas Luiz replacing Victor Lindelof in midfield, while Ian Maatsen could come in for Lucas Digne at left-back.

As a result of Amadou Onana’s stint on the sidelines, Lindelof has operated in midfield alongside Youri Tielemans, with the defender-by-trade performing well.

However, with Villa likely to have more of the ball on Wednesday, a natural midfielder may be the better option, with Luiz offering far greater control despite his struggles since returning in January.

Maatsen and Digne have rotated throughout the season, meaning the Dutch left-back may be in line for a start in Istanbul after sitting out the win over Liverpool.

Aston Villa thankful for Freiburg predicament before European final

Looking back at the weekend just gone, Villa will be thankful that their opponents, Freiburg, had an equally tough – if not tougher – test themselves.

Fighting for their place in European competition next season, the Breisgauers hosted RB Leipzig on the final day, knowing they needed a win.

WIR SPIELEN AUCH NÄCHSTE SAISON INTERNATIONAAAAAAAL 🤍❤️

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— SC Freiburg (@scfreiburg.com) 16 May 2026 at 16:26

In a 4-1 home victory, Julian Schuster’s side remained clinical, scoring four times from an expected goals tally of 1.41 despite having just 41 per cent possession.

That is something Emery will have to watch out for, with Freiburg often proving clinical in front of goal. On the final day alone, they created five big chances and missed just one.

He will, however, be grateful that the South German outfit were not exactly allowed to go ‘on the beach’ as they saw out their Bundesliga campaign.