Freiburg vs Aston Villa predictions and betting tips – Emery seeks another Europa League trophy

Freiburg and Aston Villa are ready to butt heads in the final of the Europa League, as Unai Emery attempts to win this tournament once again. Villa, for their part, are targeting a first trophy in 30 years.

Freiburg stand in their way. Villa are the favourites with the bookies, but their German opponents should not be underestimated. Who wins this one?

• Aston Villa to win – 8/11 with Betfred
• Draw at half-time – 13/10 with Betway
• John McGinn to score or assist – 13/8 with bet365

Freiburg vs Aston Villa head to head overview

• Date: Wednesday 20th May.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Tupras Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Where to watch: TNT Sports 1.
• Referee: Francois Letexier.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: Never played before.
• Favourite to win: Aston Villa.

Freiburg vs Aston Villa predicted lineups

• Freiburg expected lineup: Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Manzambi; Beste, Holer, Grifo; Matanovic.
• Aston Villa expected lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Barkley, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.

Freiburg vs Aston Villa predictions

Aston Villa are one game away from their greatest season in a generation.

Without a trophy since 1996, the Villans will get their hands on a piece of silverware if they beat Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

There have been painful near-misses since then. Villa were beaten in the final of the FA Cup in 2000 and 2015, and in the final of the EFL Cup in 2010 and 2020. 

Two seasons ago they fell short in the Conference League, losing to Olympiacos in the last four.

Now Villa have the chance to make amends in their first appearance in a continental showpiece event since the European Cup final of 1982.

Winning the Europa League brings a place in the following season’s Champions League, but that is not a consideration for Villa this time.

Unai Emery’s side secured a top-five finish in the Premier League on Friday, beating Liverpool 4-2 at Villa Park. That victory guaranteed them a seat at Europe’s top table for 2026/27. Wednesday’s final, then, is all about the chance to win a trophy.

Freiburg are just as desperate for success in Istanbul. This is a club which has never won a major trophy before. Perennial achievers in recent years, victory on Wednesday would be their greatest ever moment.

Whereas Emery is a veteran of this competition having won it four times before, Freiburg boss Julian Schuster is in his first job as a manager. It will be a fascinating battle of wits on the touchline at Tupras Stadium.

Freiburg vs Aston Villa betting tips

Freiburg and Aston Villa face off in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday.

Villa to get over line

There is little danger of a manager as thorough as Emery underestimating Freiburg. 

They may not be a giant of the German game, but they consistently punch above their weight – and they relish being underdogs.

Pound for pound, though, Villa have a superior starting XI and squad, and that tilts the balance in their favour. Emery also knows what it takes to go all the way in this tournament. 

Freiburg have only conceded 10 goals in 14 Europa League games, but their record away from their home ground is patchy at best. Villa can complete the job on Wednesday.

Back Aston Villa to win at 8/11 with Betfred

Even opening period

Aston Villa came on strong in the second half of Friday’s 4-2 defeat of Liverpool, who just about shaded the opening period.

It was not the first time this term that Villa have improved after the break. Only Arsenal have a better second-half record in the Premier League at the time of writing.

On the flip side, 16 of Villa’s 37 top-flight contests have been level at half-time. We could see the same again in the Europa League final.

Freiburg are a tough nut to crack and they will not be easy to break down. Villa will have to be patient, but their quality should show in the second half.

Tip a draw at half-time at 13/10 with Betway

McGinn to make mark

John McGinn scored a brilliant goal against Liverpool to take his tally for the campaign to 10. It is the first time in his career that he has reached double figures.

The Scotland international has also chipped in with seven assists in all competitions, underlining his value to Emery.

The Aston Villa captain is already a club legend for his contributions over the course of his eight-year spell, which began when the Villans were in the Championship. But McGinn can cement his legacy by leading Villa to a trophy in Turkey.

McGinn is a man for the big occasion and we expect him to have an impact on this game one way or another.

Go for John McGinn to score or assist at 13/8 with bet365

Freiburg vs Aston Villa latest odds

Find the latest Freiburg vs Aston Villa betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More Europa League predictions

We have plenty more Europa League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

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Important historical facts about Freiburg and Aston Villa for betting

Freiburg have scored 15 goals in their last six Europa League matches, one more than Aston Villa. Aston Villa have scored four or more goals in three of their last seven matches.

Freiburg have only won one of their four previous meetings with English opposition.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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