What a week its was! A 6-0 demolition job on Fenerbahce which saw doubles from Nicholas Jackson and Ross Barkley plus goals from Johan Manzambi and Tammy Abraham. Manzambi struck again last Saturday to get the win at Newcastle United and things are starting to take shape.

At It Again!

We won the opening two games of the Champions League, just like we did Two seasons ago. We also getting impressive return of goals, having found the net 9 times. Unai Emery certainly knows how to get the best out of in Europe.

This is our fourth successive season in Europe, a club record and in the previous three campaigns we have made the last 16.

A feat we did in the last two with the current league stage format. Of course it is a long way to go but things are looking good for another top 8 finish!

Tonight Opponents

Viking are the current Norwegian Champions and are fighting well to retain it from the strong competition of Bodo/Glimt. This is there first appearance in the Champions League since the very first one of the Champions League rebranding back in 1992/93 where they lost out in the opening round to the holders Barcelona.

They have already made an impact, having qualified by defeating Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb in the play-off round. Their opening two matches where against German opposition. Firstly they lost 3-1 at Stuttgart and then their opening home game against Bayern Munich. They raced into a 2-0 lead at half-time, looking to cause a massive shock. Bayern struck back to lead 3-2 but then right at the death, Viking got a credible 3-3 draw.

We should feel confident but we certainly can not underestimate them.

Team News

The win at Newcastle United did see a few injury issues. Aaron Wan-Bissaka went off with hamstring injury and will be out for around 2—3 weeks. Manzambi also picked up a small injury and won’t be risked tonight although he could be back for the home match against Manchester City on Saturday.

Tyrone Mings will probably fill in at left back replacing Wan-Bissaka with Ian Maatsen close to return whilst Taylor Harwood-Bellis has come into the Champions League squad replacing another injured left back Matteo Ruggeri.

A win will tonight and for the second time in 3 seasons, we will win our opening three matches. This will set us up nicely for two tough away matches in November, firstly Barcelona on 3rd November and then Galatasaray on the 24th.

Up The Villa!