Last season, Aston Villa secured their place in the Champions League for the first time since the 1982-83 season. This huge feat ended Villa’s season on a high, having made it to the semi-final in their memorable run in the UEFA Conference League. However, this season has proven more challenging for Villa to secure a spot amongst Europe’s elite clubs. In their current form, they hover around the upper half of the Premier League table. The promise of a top four finish looks increasingly unlikely. With less than half of the season left to play, last season’s fourth-place repeat is not within their grasp. Fortunately, a top six position is still attainable.

The Premier League’s top spots remain fiercely competitive, with powerhouse teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City continuing to dominate. Teams like Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, who have shown considerable improvement this season, add another layer of competition for European spots. Whilst the club does face intense competition, the Villa have shown they have the talent to challenge at the top. Ollie Watkins, Jhon Durán, and Morgan Rogers have shone bright this season. Watkins has been a consistent goal-scoring threat. Morgan Rogers has also strengthened Villa’s attacking depth.

However, their continued problems at the back, reflected by their negative goal difference could be what stands between Villa and a top six finish. Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities are particularly shown when facing teams with fast and dynamic forwards. Their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United last December is evidence of this. Additionally, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez must utilise his shot-stopping abilities in the push for European football. A finish in the top six or seven would still be a significant achievement should Villa fail to break the top four. It would secure a coveted spot in the Europa League or Conference League, allowing them to continue their European journey.

Aston Villa’s ambitions this season stretch outside of the Premier League. Thanks to a thrilling 4-2 home win against Celtic, Villa qualified for the next round of the Champions League, earning their spot in the last 16. Villa will have to wait until the end of February to find out who they next face in the knockout rounds. Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon, or Club Brugge are all possible opponents. Reaching the quarter-finals is achievable, although a semi-final appearance would be considered a massive surprise.

Nevertheless, Aston Villa reaching the round of 16 in Europe’s elite competition highlights Villa’s progress under Unai Emery. The Champions League campaign has also allowed Villa to establish themselves as a club that can compete among the best. This will continue to raise the bar for the club and attract bigger stars in future transfer windows.

In addition to their Premier League and Champions League aspirations, Villa remain firmly in the FA Cup. Having just beaten Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Villa Park on February 9th, Villa advance to the fifth round of the competition. Villa last reached the FA Cup’s fifth round in the 2014-2015 season and made it to the final, where they ultimately lost 4-0 to Arsenal. With the recent loans of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, Villa’s overall attacking momentum and a tightening of their defence could lead to a deep cup run.

To summarise, Aston Villa are still in the running to secure a top six finish in the Premier League. They have performed well in the Champions League thus far and could very much make it to the semi-finals. The FA Cup is also a good chance for Villa to add some much-needed silverware to their cabinet and further elevate the club’s reputation.

Like this? Check out more from Redbrick Sport:

UOB Aquathlon 2025: Bigger and better than ever before!

Match Report: Birmingham City Cruise to a Comfortable Win Against Poor Bristol Rovers

WSL: Table Begins to Take Shape