Aston Villa’s worry for top-four finish exacerbated as £120m Champions League news drops
Aston Villa still have their work cut out for them in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Villans have hit new heights under Unai Emery this season with record-breaking runs and fantastic performances, but every league game is now a cup final.
Villa have recently seen their form drop off both home and away, with Wednesday’s game against Chelsea a huge make-or-break for both sides.
NSWE have been battling PSR struggles over the years at Villa Park, as well as trying to recover from reported losses of over £200million between 2022 and 2024.
However, Villa’s recent success has given them a big chance to change their own long-term fortunes, but pressure now hinges on Emery to guide his side to another year in the Champions League, with financial issues still present.
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Liverpool’s £120m Champions League worry relevant to Aston Villa, here’s why
The Villans sit fourth in the table heading into their midweek clash against Chelsea, just three points in front of Liverpool, who sit in fifth.
As things stand, a win over the Blues could be enough to give Aston Villa the confidence they need to finish the job and get a top-four finish, as Emery will know the repercussions of failing to do so.
- Aston Villa’s revenue for the 2023/24 season was around £275m
- £184m of this was broadcast and UEFA income
As reported by the BBC on Wednesday, Liverpool worry that they could miss out on £120m by failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The figures are extremely relevant to Villa, as Liverpool only won £23.3m from reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League in the 2023-24 season, something which Villa are in with a shout of winning.
Even if Emery gets his hands around the Europa League title, earnings show that Tottenham won just £36m last season for doing what Villa hope to do this term.
The contrast in the two competitions is stark, and qualification for the Champions League could be the difference for Villa keeping hold of key assets like Morgan Rogers and Boubacar Kamara.
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This trend under Liam Rosenior suits Aston Villa for Chelsea match
It goes without saying, but the game against Chelsea is arguably the most important one of the season.
A classic six-pointer will take place at Villa Park, as a win for the hosts could edge Chelsea out of the race for the top four once and for all.
| Game | Goal conceded? |
| Crystal Palace v Chelsea | Yes |
| Chelsea vs West Ham | Yes |
| Wolves vs Chelsea | Yes |
| Chelsea vs Leeds | Yes |
| Chelsea vs Burnley | Yes |
| Arsenal vs Chelsea | Yes |
One of Aston Villa’s main downfall’s in recent games has been their attack, but maybe Emery won’t be too concerned to face Rosenior’s side.
Since the Englishman arrived at Stamford Bridge, they have managed to keep just one clean sheet in the Premier League, while conceding in their last six games, even to multiple relegation candidates.
Given Villa Park will be roaring the players on to victory, there’s a good chance that Emery will see his players perform in front of goal when he needs them to most.
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