Unai Emery sent strong warning by former Aston Villa star ahead of crunch Feyenoord clash
Unai Emery has been warned about the quality of Aston Villa's opposition ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash.
Villa are the favourites against Feyenoord, after a week that saw them start to get their season back on track.
Unai Emery's side beat both Bologna and Fulham, with John McGinn scoring winners in both games at Villa Park.
Villa have never lost against a Dutch team, and will hope to continue that record when they take on Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
Jadon Sancho is among the players missing for Villa, with the home side set to be without key midfielder Quinten Timber.
Ron Vlaar warns Aston Villa ahead of Feyenoord clash
Robin van Persie lost against Villa just once as a player, but the Dutchman will now appear in the opposing dugout on Thursday.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker's side have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning six of their opening seven Eredivisie games.
But in the Europa League, Feyenoord were handed a setback in their opener when Fran Navarro's second-half finish secured the three points for SC Braga.
Nonetheless, the Eredivisie leaders will present a difficult task for Emery's men, and Ron Vlaar has confirmed as much.
"I saw them live playing at AZ Alkmaar a few weeks back in the league," the former Villa defender told talkSPORT on Thursday.
"And they are physically strong; they have a good plan. Of course, with Van Persie as the coach, everyone will know him, and they've only lost at Braga away so they're in good shape.
"I believe they have a good chance to get a good result."
Feyenoord have dangerous attackers
Most Villa attentions will be placed on Japan international Ayase Ueda, who has scored six goals in his seven Eredivisie appearances so far this season.
The 27-year-old was on the scoresheet again on Sunday, guiding home a header to hand Feyenoord the victory against Groningen.
| Feyenoord | Eredivise 2025-26 |
| Points | 19 |
| Goals scored | 15 |
| Goals conceded | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 13.6 |
| Expected goals against (xGA) | 5.5 |
| Big chances missed | 17 |
Villa will be happy to not play against dynamic midfielder Timber, who was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, but full-back Jordan Bos will also be on Emery's radar.
The Australian has scored twice and picked up an assist in the league this season, with Matty Cash set for a difficult evening coping with the 22-year-old's overlapping drives.
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