Heading into the important part.
As the 2024/25 season progresses, Aston Villa find themselves in a competitive position. This season hasn’t gone as smoothly as last, which is to be expected now that the club are competing in the Champions League. However, all hope of qualifying for the Champions League via the Premier League isn’t lost, with a top-five finish likely to be enough, and it’s within reach.
Under the guidance of Unai Emery, who was appointed in 2022, Aston Villa have undergone a significant transformation. Emery’s tactical acumen led the team from being threatened by relegation to European contenders, which culminated in a fourth-place finish last term and a return to the Champions League after 41 years away. His experience will be crucial in Villa’s pursuit of a top-five finish.
The depth of the Villa squad is a major positive, especially with the signings made during the winter transfer window. Ollie Watkins remains a consistent goal threat, but now Villa can call on Marcus Rashford, for example. Midfielders such as Youri Tielemans continue to contribute on the attacking front, too, another major plus.
Villa’s performances in the Champions League this season have been commendable. Their historic 1-0 win over Bayern Munich showcased the team’s ability to compete against the best clubs Europe has to offer. Being able to handle big games and high-pressure situations will be essential for a string league finish.
A team being good at home is always essential if they’re aiming to end the season in one of the coveted European places, and Villa Park remains a fortress for Emery’s side. Villa’s successful 2023/24 campaign was built on their solid home form, and that’s continued into 2024/25.
The current situation in the Premier League is another reason why Villa can still make the top five this season. Liverpool aside, most teams have experienced struggles and drop-offs in form. Manchester City, for example, look a shadow of their former selves, and this will open the door for other teams, such as Villa.
If it was a case of teams being required to finish in the Premier League’s top four to gain access to the Champions League, it could have been slightly beyond what Villa could pull off from their current position. But as English football’s top flight is on course to be granted an extra slot, finishing fifth should be enough, and the race is open.
What Villa need to do now is to put together a good run of winning form. They must also hope that the teams above slip up. However, when teams are vying for European football, unpredictability in results and performances can come into play, which not only affect their chances but can also have a considerable impact on Premier League betting, as form can become patchy.
What could help Villa get over the line is two things: the first is to correct their drop off in performances and results post-Champions League games, and the second is that they’ve been in this position before and know what it takes to get the job done.
