Aston Villa welcome Norwegian champions Viking FK to Villa Park as Unai Emery's side look to maintain their perfect start in the Champions League

Aston Villa return to European action tonight with Viking FK visiting Villa Park for a Champions League encounter.

Unai Emery's side have made an impressive start to the league phase, winning their opening two matches against Club Brugge and Fenerbahce to move up to third in the table.

Villa's 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce last week underlined their attacking threat, while their recent run of results has helped put a difficult start to the domestic campaign behind them.

They have won five of their last seven matches in all competitions and will be keen to continue that momentum against the Norwegian champions.

Viking, however, should not be underestimated.

The Eliteserien winners are competing in the Champions League for the first time in more than three decades and demonstrated their quality last week by holding Bayern Munich to a thrilling 3-3 draw.

That result will give the visitors confidence as they travel to England, with a place in the knockout rounds a target for a side enjoying a memorable European campaign.

Villa will be favourites on home soil, but Emery will be aware that his team cannot afford to underestimate opponents who have already troubled one of the continent's biggest clubs.

Here is everything you need to know.

What time is Aston Villa vs Viking FK?

Aston Villa vs Viking FK kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, October 21.

The match will take place at Villa Park in Birmingham.

Is the game on TV?

Yes, the match will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.

Watch Aston Villa vs Viking on TNT Sports

Aston Villa host Viking FK in the Champions League on October 21. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.

What about streaming?

The game can be streamed live through the HBO Max app and website by TNT Sports subscribers.

Supporters can also access TNT Sports through a sports pass on HBO Max without committing to a long-term contract.

Team news

Aston Villa will be without Johan Manzambi for the visit of Viking after the midfielder picked up a minor injury in the win over Newcastle United.

The Switzerland international has made an impressive start to life at Villa, contributing three goals and three assists in six appearances, but Emery confirmed he would miss Wednesday's European fixture.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also unavailable and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, while Matteo Ruggeri remains out with an injury that could keep him away for around two months.

There is more positive news regarding Ian Maatsen, who has returned to training and is working his way back into contention. Youngster George Hemmings has also returned after a minor issue.

Emery must also weigh up the physical demands on his squad, with Manchester City visiting Villa Park on Saturday.

Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Nicolas Jackson are among the players who have had limited opportunities to rest this season, meaning the Villa boss could consider changes.

However, with Viking having already shown their ability to compete against elite opposition, Emery may be reluctant to make wholesale alterations as his side chase a third consecutive Champions League victory.

The visitors will arrive in confident mood after their draw against Bayern, and Villa will need to be at their best to maintain their winning run in Europe.