Wed Oct 02 12:26:01 UTC 2024: ## Watkins Aims to Shine as Kane’s Fitness Remains Uncertain for Bayern Clash

**Birmingham, England** – Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is eager to make a statement against his England rival Harry Kane when the two sides clash in the Champions League on Wednesday. While Kane’s fitness remains uncertain after picking up an ankle injury over the weekend, Watkins is hoping to solidify his place in the national team with a strong performance against Bayern Munich.

Kane, who has been in prolific form for Bayern with 10 goals in seven appearances, trained on Tuesday, but Bayern manager Vincent Kompany says the final decision on his availability will be made closer to kick-off. “We will still have to wait until [Wednesday] and see how the situation is and then we will make the correct decision,” Kompany said.

Meanwhile, Watkins, who has scored four goals for Villa this season, is hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to impress against Kane. “Everyone is fighting for a position on the pitch so I want to be the man to play,” he stated. “Harry and I have a good relationship. There’s no animosity. I’m doing all I can to be on the pitch and so is he. He’s got the records and scored the number of goals he has for a reason.”

Villa boss Unai Emery is aware of Kane’s threat and is preparing his team to counter the prolific striker. “We analyse the tactical areas collectively and then you have to stop the players,” Emery said. “They have Harry Kane, he knows us and we know him, but his capacity and potential will be on the pitch. We have to try to stop him.”

The match marks Aston Villa’s first European Cup home fixture in 41 years, and Watkins is keen to make the most of the occasion. “I don’t want to say we need to make the most of it because that sounds like we’re underestimating ourselves, but we just enjoy it because it’s so long since the club has been involved in a competition like this,” he said. “For me personally, I haven’t experienced Champions League football before, so I want to enjoy it because this is what I dreamt of as a kid.”

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