SC Freiburg v Aston Villa Prediction, Tips and Bet Builder

It has been 44 years since Aston Villa won the European Cup, but they have another shot at continental glory against SC Freiburg in the Europa League final at Besiktas Stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday, which will be assessed by Racing Post football expert Dan Childs.

Lifting trophies has been a rarity for Villa, who last secured a major piece of silverware with a 3-0 triumph over Leeds United in the 1996 League Cup final.

But their manager, Unai Emery, is a serial Europa League winner thanks to a treble of successes with Sevilla (2014, 2015 and 2016), plus the 2021 triumph with Villarreal, when he guided the Yellow Submarines to a penalty shootout victory over Manchester United.

Villa have had another strong domestic season and are guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Freiburg have been rather less consistent in the Bundesliga and can finish no higher than seventh.

However, reaching a European final is a first for the Baden-Wurttemberg side, who are preparing for the biggest match in their history.

Freiburg have been increasingly focused on their European adventures, but they gave a strong performance at the weekend when winning 4-1 at home to RB Leipzig.

SC Freiburg v Aston Villa Tips Summary

Best Bet - Aston Villa -1 on Asian handicap @ 23/20
Alternative Bet - Ollie Watkins to score any time @ 13/10
Bet Builder - Morgan Rogers to score or assist, Over 2 goals & Matty Cash to be booked @ 10/1

SC Freiburg v Aston Villa Prediction

Best Bet: Aston Villa -1 on Asian handicap @ 23/20

Villa have excelled right from the start of their Europa League campaign and they can prevail over Freiburg in a fairly one-sided final.

Managing the demands of Premier League and European football can be a tough task and there have been moments when Villa have felt the strain.

There have been difficult moments, including the recent 2-1 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur when an under-strength Villa side came up short against relegation-threatened opponents.

But Villa have achieved their main aim of UEFA Champions League qualification and they look well placed to triumph in Turkey and complete the club’s most memorable campaign since 1982.

Freiburg are also sensing that they have the chance to do something special, but their run to the final has been less convincing.

They overcame semi-final opponents Braga 4-3 on aggregate, but were given a huge leg up by a red card for opposition attacker Mario Dorgeles, who was dismissed after just eight minutes of the second leg.

From the outset Freiburg haven’t faced a side as strong as Villa and they may struggle to cope.

Alternative Bet: Ollie Watkins to score any time @ 13/10

England international Ollie Watkins had a slow start to the season but he is coming good when it matters most.

The 30-year-old has netted four times in the last three matches and looks a solid wager to keep the scoring streak going.

SC Freiburg v Aston Villa Bet Builder Tip

• Morgan Rogers to score or assist

• Over 2 goals

• Matty Cash to be carded

  Pays 10/1

Villa ace Morgan Rogers contributed a goal and an assist in Friday’s 4-2 triumph at home to Liverpool and he should have at least one more major moment up his sleeve before the season’s end.

Attack may be the best form of defence for Freiburg, who can contribute to an entertaining, high-scoring game.

They have scored 25 Europa League goals, including five from veteran left-sided Italian attacker Vincenzo Grifo.

Keeping tabs on Grifo could be a tough task for Villa right back Matty Cash, who looks overpriced for a card.

Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.

Key Match Stats

• Both teams have scored in eight of Freiburg’s last nine games.

• Freiburg have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Europa League matches.

• Freiburg have lost four of their last seven fixtures.

• Aston Villa have scored four goals in four of their last eight games.

• Six of Villa’s last eight matches have featured at least three goals.

• Villa have started the scoring in five of their last six Europa League matches.

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.