What channel is Aston Villa vs Celtic? Live stream, TV, ref, VAR and team news for vital Champions League clash
Thousands of Celtic fans will be travelling to the Midlands for a party - but expecting their side to perform.
The Hoops have looked right at home in the freshly redesigned Champions League this season, with boss Brendan Rodgers securing a key objective when they booked their spot in the knockout play offs with victory against Young Boys. But, mathematically at least, there's still an automatic spot in the last 16 up for grabs - and victory at Villa Park would finally end a run that stretches back to 2017 without an away victory at Europe's top table.
They will have to be at their very best to get three points against the big-spending Premier League side however. Especially with new signing Jota ineligible, Daizen Maeda suspended and Kyogo having completed his move to Rennes. Unai Emery doesn't have his problems to seek defensively with Tyrone Mings hobbling off against West Ham United at the weekend, but he does have fit-again Scotland hero John McGinn to call upon. And the Hoops fan will be relishing facing his boyhood team on club football's biggest stage.
Record Sport has all the details to ensure you don't miss a moment of the action. Here’s everything you need to know...
When is Aston Villa vs Celtic?
Aston Villa welcome Celtic to Villa Park on Wednesday, January 29 with kick-off at 8pm.
Is Aston Villa vs Celtic on TV?
Of course it is! The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting at 7pm and running until 10pm. If you don't have TNT then you can catch the highlights on BBC 1 from 10.40pm.
Can I live stream Aston Villa vs Celtic?
You can. Fans can stream the game to their devices via the Discovery+ website or app for £30.99 per month, but the broadcaster does not offer a pay-per-view option. To sign up click HERE.
Where else can I follow Aston Villa vs Celtic?
You can keep up with all the action right here on dailyrecord.co.uk! We'll be running a live blog with all the pre-match build-up and team news, and every kick of the ball once the clash gets underway. After the game, we'll have all the reaction from managers and players, as well as player ratings, talking points and a whole lot more.
Ref and VAR
Vastly experienced Frenchman Clément Turpin will be the man in the middle, assisted by Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages with Romain Lissorgue the fourth official. Jérôme Brisard is on VAR duty with Dutchman Rob Dieperink assistant VAR. It will be the first time that Turpin has officiated Celtic, but not his first time in charge of a Scottish team - having officiated Rangers (three times), Hibs and Motherwell in Europe previously.
Team news
The big news for Celtic is that Jota won't be eligible to make his return in this one, as he's not in the club's Champions League squad. That, combined with Daizen Maeda serving a suspension and the sale of Kyogo could leave the Hoops a little bit short on firepower. And puts big pressure on Adam Idah to show his worth and build on his display against Young Boys. Veteran James Forrest also remains sidelined while Cameron Carter-Vickers is out and won't be risked.
Villa have a few issues of their own, especially in defence. Tyrone Mings will miss out after picking up a knee injury in their draw with West Ham, joining fellow central defender Pau Torres on the treatment table. There will also be no Amadou Onana or Ross Barkley, but John McGinn could be in line for a start against his boyhood club.
