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Ty Bracey drops 'horrendous' verdict on Aston Villa and Brighton race for Europe
We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Ty Bracey believes Brighton’s run of horrendous upcoming fixtures will give Aston Villa the edge in their race for European football this season.
Unai Emery’s side currently sit 7th in the Premier League on 54 points, a total that is level with Spurs after 34 games a piece, but just two points above Brighton, who have played just 31 times.
However, in Brighton’s final seven games of the season, they have to face Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as a trip to Villa Park on the final day of the season.
Meanwhile, Villa look to be in control of their own fate, with fixtures against all three European rivals Liverpool Spurs and Roberto de Zerbi’s side.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey hoped that despite having three games in hand on Villa, the Seagulls’ tough run of fixtures would ensure that Aston Villa secured a first taste of European football in 13 years.
“Brighton have got a few games in hand on us, but their fixtures are absolutely horrendous,” he said.
“All of our games, apart from Wolves, are against teams who are in and around us and they’re going to be really, really important games.
“I do think Liverpool will end up above us, but I think European football is something we are going to get this season.
“I hope it doesn’t have come down to that final day of the season against Brighton. Final games of the season, and heart-wrenching moments are things I want to be of the past.
“I’d like to think we will have secured it by then, but I guess it adds to the excitement and it adds to the thrill.”
Aston Villa travel to the Molineux Stadium this Saturday (6 May) as they look to return to winning ways after their 1-0 loss to Manchester United last week.
Emery’s side were on a 10-match unbeaten streak prior to the defeat at Old Trafford, which was the first time during the Spaniard’s 23 games in charge that his side failed to find the back of the net.
In other Aston Villa news, concerns about Ollie Watkins have been examined by a BBC Sport pundit.