That comeback win at Brentford was huge for Aston Villa, in many aspects, including keeping the team in the Premier League title hunt.
Aston Villa are in the Premier League title race, until the table says otherwise.
But with the chance to go top of the table on Friday night, this is a huge week for the team because, if Villa secure three points against Sheffield United and Liverpool draw at home to Arsenal, then it’s top at Christmas for the boys in Claret & Blue.
Roy Keane thinks Unai Emery’s side are ‘flying’ and are in ‘top form’, but he can’t see the team winning English football’s main crown, as he told Sky Sports.
The Manchester United legend, who worked as a coach at Villa Park for a brief period, thinks the Europa Conference League side will ‘fall short’ because of the squad.
Not sure where Roy is going with that one because Villa have one of the best squads in the league and the depth is surprisingly good.
You also have to consider that Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings are also long-term absentees.
Aston Villa’s Premier League title chances
“I don’t think you win anything when you are top at Christmas, do you?” responded Keane to Villa having the chance to go top if this weekend’s results fall in their favour.
“I think you have to be top at the end of the season and that’s the most important thing. Villa are doing great. They are flying. They are in top form.
“Against Brentford, they are scrapping results. Set-pieces are huge for them. But you just think they will be short, in terms of the squad.”
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
It’s good to be back at home again, with the Sky cameras set to watch us try and make it 16 Premier League home wins on the bounce.
The fact that we have the chance to go top by beating Sheffield United is huge.
Yes, there is still a long way to go. But, just from a confidence standpoint, this will be massive for the team.
Boubacar Kamara is going to be suspended after getting sent off at Brentford, but Douglas Luiz will return to the matchday squad, as well as Lucas Digne.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Emery sets up. Even though Alex Moreno produced a Man of the Match performance on Sunday, he has only just returned to action, so his fitness levels might not be up to it.
Either way, it’s a chance to rotate against the Premier League’s bottom-of-the-table club, with Manchester United and Burnley to round off what has been an outstanding 2023.
