Villa travel to Fenerbahçe knowing control may matter more than tempo in a pivotal Europa League fixture.
With two rounds remaining, both sides still have clear objectives. Villa sit comfortably inside the top positions and are closing in on automatic qualification for the last 16, allowing Unai Emery’s side to approach this fixture with a degree of control.
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Fenerbahçe, by contrast, remain under pressure to close the gap to the top eight, particularly at home, where expectations are higher and margins tighter.
The matchup reflects a contest shaped as much by context as quality. Villa’s schedule remains congested, while Fenerbahçe arrive in strong form and unbeaten domestically in the new year.
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Game management, squad depth and discipline could prove decisive in a tie where neither side is compelled to chase early.
Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
