Aston Villa Hope to Seal Europa League Automatic Qualification Against Fenerbahçe

Kenya, 22 January 2026 - Aston Villa are preparing for a pivotal UEFA Europa League league phase match as they travel to face Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe, a game that could see them move significantly closer to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the competition or even top the standings.

After six matches in the Europa League league stage, Villa sit among the leaders with a strong record of wins, draws, and just one loss. Unai Emery’s side sit third on 15 points, joint with second-placed Midtjylland and top-placed Lyon, behind on goal difference. A victory against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul would boost their chances of finishing inside the top eight teams, who earn automatic progression to the knockout rounds.

Manager Unai Emery has publicly acknowledged the importance of the fixture. While Villa faces some injury concerns, he also respects Fenerbahçe’s quality and the threat they pose on home turf.

For Villa, a positive result would not only secure vital points in the league phase but also underscore their consistency in Europe under Emery, a manager with a strong Europa League pedigree, having won the competition three consecutive times during his spell with Spanish side Sevilla. Victory would likely give them a clear advantage in the race to finish in the automatic qualification spots.

Fenerbahçe, currently hovering just outside the top eight, also have everything to play for. A win at home would not only keep their own knockout hopes alive but could twist the group standings late in the league phase.

If Villa secure points in Istanbul, their path to the last 16 becomes much clearer with fewer scenarios left to worry about. They will then have one more group stage match to finalize their position.

For Fenerbahçe, the tie represents a chance to stake a claim for automatic qualification as well, or at least to tighten the chase ahead of the final matchday.