Aston Villa have one last chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League but they realistically need to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on the final day.
Villa, who reached the Champions League quarter-final this term, head into their finale level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United as they seek a top five finish. However, they currently sit sixth due to their far inferior goal difference and even victory against the Red Devils might not be enough to achieve their ambitions.
If Unai Emery’s side beat Man Utd, they still need either Chelsea or Newcastle to drop points, or Manchester City to lose at Fulham. If they can only manage a draw then they would require Newcastle to lose at home to Everton, while defeat would be fatal.
Conquering Man Utd might not prove too difficult, however, with Ruben Amorim’s side currently languishing in 16th having tasted 18 defeats this term—half of which have come at home. Having just suffered heartbreak in the Europa League final, spirits will not be high on the field or in the stands at Old Trafford this weekend.
Regardless of the result against Villa, the Red Devils are guaranteed their worst ever Premier League finish by some margin. Their previous lowest ranking came last season as they slumped to eighth, but the best they can achieve this term is 14th.
Here is guide to a crucial encounter.
