Can Aston Villa Secure a Top Four Finish in the Premier League?

The 2023/24 Premier League title chase was looking like it could be one of the most exciting since its inception in 1992, up until the recent round of fixtures that is.

With Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all battling it out heading into game week 33, a three-horse race was in full flow.

City secured a 5-1 win over Luton Town to climb to the top of the table, yet both Arsenal and Liverpool lost to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively, damaging their chances.

Premier League Title Betting Odds

This recent set of results means Man City’s Premier League odds have changed significantly, as Pep Guardiola’s men are now the favourites by a large margin at 2/5 to claim yet another league crown.

Arsenal have drifted out to 7/2 to win their first Premier League title since 2003/4, while Liverpool’s race appears to be run, as they are third favourites at 5/1 now.

With the title race looking like it could be over, the chase for the final Champions League position is perhaps more exciting, especially with Aston Villa leading the hunt.

Unai Emery Has Rejuvenated Aston Villa

Steven Gerrard was looked upon as the new saviour at Villa, yet his spell yielded only 13 victories in 40 matches across all competitions. The former Liverpool icon was sacked in October 2022, with Emery coming in to replace him.

The Spaniard led the club away from relegation trouble last season to secure a respectable seventh-place finish in the top flight, claiming a place in the Europa Conference League in the process.

Unai Emery is 𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐍 as an away coach at the Emirates across all competitions 👀 pic.twitter.com/FuvnMq3q0v

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 14, 2024

Not one to rest on his laurels, Emery has taken the club to the next level this season, leading them to the brink of a place in the Champions League.

His transfer business last summer was impressive, luring players such as Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres to the Midlands, forming a solid core to his side.

Villa won 2-1 in the Conference League quarter-finals against Lille and currently holds the advantage heading into the second leg, at the time of writing. They also occupy fourth spot in the Premier League, three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur.

A stunning win over Arsenal at the Emirates recently has turned the title race on its head while ensuring Villa completed just their third-ever Premier League double over the Gunners.

All the momentum is with Emery’s side, especially with matches coming thick and fast, both in Europe and domestically.

With a place in Europe’s premier club competition at stake, Emery will be hoping his team can continue to produce the goods and maintain their recent momentum.

With the likes of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey scoring for fun, plus the solidity of their midfield, there is no reason why the club can’t secure their highest top-flight finish this century.

1⃣9⃣ Premier League goals with ZERO penalties scored.

On top of this, Ollie Watkins has registered 🔟 assists.

Player Of The Season? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/z22TpSNxvI

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 14, 2024

Villa could also end their 28-major trophy drought by winning the Conference League and the next few weeks will be exciting indeed.