Unai Emery has said this weekend’s clash with Manchester United is worth ‘six points’ to Champions League chasing Aston Villa.
Villa are fourth in the Premier League table after exceeding all expectations so far this season, with Emery’s team competing for a place in the Champions League next season.
The Villans have not competed in Europe’s elite competition since 1983, though could take a massive step towards a place in the competition by beating Manchester United at Villa Park this weekend.
United are sixth in the table, eight points behind Villa, and a home win would place an 11-point gap between the sides. Given the team that finishes fifth in the Premier League could be handed a Champions League place next season, the importance of the clash is not lost on Emery.
“Our main objective is being consistent in the Premier League. We are being consistent, we are being successful in what we are doing,” Emery said at his pre-match press conference.
“Each match is so special, of course the match we played before mattered, and the one on Sunday is very important. But against Man Utd, we are playing for six points.”
Emery provided an update on his squad ahead of the clash and confirmed Lucas Digne and Pau Torres are in contention to return.
“We have a new goalkeeper [Joe Gauci] available. Lucas Digne and Pau Torres are in contention, Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran are still out. Other players available on Sunday.”
