Forget about Manchester United v Rangers, the big one is Aston Villa’s showdown against Celtic.
On Europe’s biggest stage – the Champions League – two clubs who have a history in this competition will meet for the first time ever.
There are so many subplots to this story, including boyhood Celtic fan John McGinn leading Aston Villa out on the Champions League stage.
From Martin O’Neill to Stiliyan Petrov, many ex-managers and players have donned the colours of both clubs, so it will make the game even more interesting.
Adding to the fact that Celtic and Villa can still qualify for the automatic spots, so expect fireworks on Wednesday night at Villa Park.
Why Aston Villa have warned ‘all supporters’ ahead of Celtic clash in Champions League
Villa and the second city have a strong Irish history – many regard the club’s greatest-ever player to be Paul McGrath, one of the greatest defenders of all time and a Republic of Ireland great with 83 caps.
There is also that obvious Irish connection with Celtic, so you are going to have some Villa supporters who also follow and back the Bhoys.
So, this game is the dream for them, but it has come with a warning from Aston Villa themselves.
The Premier League side posted on social media the following message about the home section being for ‘Aston Villa supporters only’, including a lengthy statement warning fans about re-selling their tickets and how there would be consequences to it, such as having season tickets ‘revoked’.
‘Aston Villa would like to remind all supporters attending Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Celtic that tickets purchased for home areas via Aston Villa are for Aston Villa supporters only,’
What Brendan Rodgers has said about Aston Villa game
It’s going to be some test for Rodgers and another chance for him to prove that he is taking Celtic forward in Europe.
You could argue that it’s a bit of a free hit for the Bhoys because, even if they win, they still might not get an automatic spot because of how many teams are ahead of them.
Plus, that pressure of securing that play-off spot is out of the window, so a refreshed and fired-up Celtic will want to send out a statement.
This is what Rodgers had to say about the upcoming Villa game when he spoke to TNT Sports after the win over Young Boys.
“But we can go there (Aston Villa), like we have done in every game and is to go, work very hard, enjoy and go look to play the level we feel we can,” said Rodgers
“It’s a beautiful pitch and a great stadium at Villa Park, so we will look forward to it when it comes.”
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