Aston Villa face off against Manchester City in a match of extreme significance tonight in their chase for Champions League qualification next season.
Unai Emery’s side travel to the Etihad Stadium to square off against Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
The Lions have won their last five Premier League matches, with a 4-1 statement win against other Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United at the weekend.
While Emery’s side may take confidence from their 2-1 victory over City earlier in the season, Villa have not won at the Etihad Stadium since Martin O’Neill was in charge when goals from John Carew and Shaun Maloney gave them a 2-0 victory in April 2007.
Shearer expects Aston Villa to qualify for the Champions League next season
Alan Shearer has backed Aston Villa to finish in the top five of the Premier League this season and, in doing so, qualify for the Champions League.
The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer believes that Emery’s side have an advantage over their rivals for this race.
He told the BBC: “Looking at each club’s remaining games doesn’t really help in deciding what might happen, because some of the teams they face may have different priorities or nothing to play for full stop.
“It’s the same for anyone who plays Manchester United and Tottenham before the end of the season too, because the Europa League is their priority now. Right now, my guess would be that maybe Chelsea and Forest will be the teams who miss out – but that situation could change very quickly.
“Villa and Newcastle are both different again, in that both clubs have had a taste of it now, and their fans, players – everyone – they all want more. I’ve been lucky enough to go to Villa Park for some Champions League games this season, including their thrilling attempt to fight back against PSG last week.
“The atmosphere was incredible, the same as it was with Newcastle in 2023-24. If you think about where both clubs want to go and also how they might comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules while they try to get there, then Champions League football is imperative.”
The run-in for the clubs chasing Champions League qualification
Liverpool and Arsenal would be confident that their place in next season’s Champions League is assured.
Meaning Villa are one of five teams vying it out for the three remaining qualification spots for next season’s competition.
On paper, Man City’s run-in looks the easiest when compared to their rivals, while the most difficult run-in appears to be Chelsea, who have to face both Liverpool and Newcastle.
Tonight’s fixture between Guardiola’s side and Villa should be the most difficult opponent for either side based on league position.
While Newcastle have to travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal and Nottingham Forest host Chelsea on the final day of the season.
| Nottingham Forest | Newcastle United | Man City | Chelsea | Aston Villa | |
| Gameweek 34 | Brentford – H | Ipswich Town – H | Aston Villa – H | Everton – H | Man City – A |
| Gameweek 35 | Crystal Palace – A | Brighton – A | Wolves – H | Liverpool – H | Fulham – H |
| Gameweek 36 | Leicester City – H | Chelsea – H | Southampton – A | Newcastle – A | Bournemouth – A |
| Gameweek 37 | West Ham – A | Arsenal – A | Bournemouth – H | Man United – H | Tottenham – H |
| Gameweek 38 | Chelsea – H | Everton – H | Fulham – A | Nottingham Forest – A | Man United – A |
The only notable distraction for Villa in their quest for Champions League qualification will be the FA Cup, with Emery’s side facing Crystal Palace this weekend for a place in the final of the competition.
Champions League rivals Nottingham Forest and Man City will square off in the other semi-final this weekend, which could help others in this race.
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