Aston Villa, Celtic Clash in Champions League Play-Offs

Aston Villa and Celtic are set to clash in the Champions League, with both teams already assured of a place in the play-off round. Despite the lack of high stakes, the match is dubbed a 'Battle of Britain,' and carries significant historical weight for both clubs. John McGinn, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, is expected to play against his boyhood club Celtic, adding a personal subplot to the match. The game will also feature notable absences for Celtic, including suspended player Daizen Maeda and striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who is transferring to Rennes. While Celtic is looking to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages, Villa aims for a top-eight spot, making the match important for both sides. Brendan Rodgers and Unai Emery are likely to face media scrutiny over their respective team's preparations and strategies for the encounter.