Ex-Aston Villa and Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel thinks Unai Emery’s side could have a chance of breaking into the top four this season.
Aston Villa really impressed in the last campaign, finishing seventh, and have significantly improved their squad with the additions of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans.
Schmeichel now believes that Villa are one team who could move into the Champions League spots this term. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the Premier League legend said: “I have Aston Villa as one of the dark horses to maybe, not for sure, but if anyone can break into that sort of bracket of the four, five teams, it could be them.”
With Manchester City, Arsenal, United and Newcastle United all finishing in the top four last season, the above will not be easy.
But Villa have a really capable coach in Emery and have made some excellent signings during this transfer window.
Europa League the aim for Aston Villa this season?
Realistically, securing a place in the 2024/25 Europa League is probably a more achievable target for the Villans.
It is something that they can accomplish by winning the Europa Conference League this campaign and, with Emery being a specialist in Europe, it is not something you would rule out.
It would be great if the Spaniard could bring Champions League football back to Villa Park after so many years. But again, it is going to be difficult given the quality of the current top four teams.
If Villa do want to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, they will also have to worry about Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, who will all be eyeing a spot in the top four as well.
All in all, Villa look set to have another bright season, but Champions League qualification may be just out of sight for now.
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