Aston Villa told avoid Villa Park disaster after Premier League developments
Aston Villa are once again in a race for the Champions League places in the Premier League this season having secured qualification last year.
Unai Emery steered his Villans to a top-four finish and they have built on their progress since, securing a place in the last 16 of this season’s competition.
However, with Villa looking to juggle their ambitions this season – having made some high-profile winter signings to aid the objective – they are currently without a win from their last four league matches, sitting ninth in the table.
Aston Villa must compete for Champions League says Darke
Aston Villa have “no reason” with their current squad not to be well in the mix to qualify for the Champions League in successive seasons, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to Villa News, describes Emery’s men as one of several sides “knocking on the door” in a competitive race for Europe.
Villa remain not only in the Champions League but also the FA Cup, and have made squad reinforcements to continue to fight on all fronts.
It is anticipated that the top five Premier League clubs will qualify for the 2025-26 Champions League, making the path to qualification slightly easier for those competing.
“I think they’re certainly knocking on the door but there are several clubs in the same boat like Newcastle and Bournemouth,” Darke said.
“If you look at Aston Villa’s squad, you have to say there’s no reason at all why they don’t make the top four or five.
“They’ve not just got Rashford and Asensio in but players like Malen as well, and the only downside is Duran having gone.”
Villans must respond to frustrating setbacks
Aston Villa fans have no need to hit the panic button just yet – far from it, in fact, with the calibre of player they are attracting to Villa Park these days – but the league form has dropped off slightly.
The home draw with 10-man Ipswich Town was incredibly frustrating on Saturday (15 February), as was the 2-0 defeat by Wolves at Molineux.
Several clubs are battling it out to secure a place in the top five, which is expected to be enough for Champions League football next term.
Wednesday’s league opponents Liverpool (19 February), as well as Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Bournemouth currently occupy the top positions, while Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham are now also above the Villans, who sit on 38 points, five adrift of the promised land.
The contest with Liverpool, brought forward due to the Reds’ participation in the Carabao Cup final coming up, offers a chance for Villa to make a significant stride towards their fellow competitors.
In the meantime, European and FA Cup competition continues to maximise the excitement of the campaign for the claret and blue faithful.