Aston Villa have thoroughly enjoyed their return to the top table of European football this season, and they are well set to reach the last 16 on Matchday 8 of the league phase

The Champions League returns for the final round of the league phase on Wednesday, which could prove to be a chaotic evening of action across the continent as all 18 matches kick-off together at 8pm UK time.

Aston Villa play Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday night (8pm) with Unai Emery's team looking for automatic qualification to the last 16.

The draw for the knockout phase play-offs will be held pretty swiftly after the group stage is completed, with teams learning their fate on 31 January. Then the first legs will be played on 11-12 February and the second on 18-19 February. That gives the top eight teams a useful spell without European football as the round of 16 begins on 4 March.

Unai Emery has urged his Aston Villa players to become Champions League protagonists ahead of their final league phase match against Celtic on Wednesday.

The Champions League groups conclude on Wednesday night and there are still plenty of questions to be answered - particularly for the English contingent

Ollie Watkins is set to make his 200th Aston Villa appearance on Sunday. He has 69 goals and 30 assists in 168 Premier League outings and could reach 100 goal involvements in the fewest games by any player since Kevin De Bruyne achieved the milestone in 155 matches in July 2020.

Unai Emery has challenged his Aston Villa team to finish the job and earn direct qualification for the Champions League last 16 as they prepare for their final game of the league phase against Celtic on Wednesday.

Aston Villa Manager Unai Emery spoke to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash between Villa and Celtic. Full Press Conference Courtesy of UEFA.