Aston Villa edge Lille as Emery hits 100 wins
Premier League could lose a fifth Champions League spot if English clubs underperform in Europe, affecting Villa’s qualification chances despite their Europa League run.
Watkins ended his drought with a 62nd-minute header as Villa won 1-0 at Lille. Martinez saved well, a penalty appeal for Watkins was waved away, and Emery’s side take a slender last-16 lead into the second leg.
Morgan Rogers tops a list of valuable players yet to feature in the Champions League, with his €80m rise highlighting Villa’s push to reach Europe’s top competition.
Villa are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt as a free agent, assessing options amid financial constraints and Champions League ambitions.
Villa visit Man Utd on 15 Mar, 2pm. Sancho ineligible, Cash doubtful, Kamara out, Tielemans close, McGinn back early but likely bench. TV: Sky Sports. Prediction given as Man Utd 2-0.
Emery reaches 100 Aston Villa wins after the 1-0 Europa League victory at Lille, becoming the third Villa boss to hit the mark and doing so fastest, with a 55% win rate.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett says Lamare Bogarde should have been booked for simulation in the Lille tie. Villa still won 1-0 but felt key decisions went against them.
Emery says John McGinn is ‘coming back’ and Villa aim to restore his rhythm, offering a timely boost before the Manchester United trip.
Villa face a revenue hit as the 2026-27 ban on gambling sponsors ends their £20m-a-year Betano deal. NSWE have not secured a new front-of-shirt partner and may need major player sales to meet PSR and UEFA limits.
Opinion piece criticises Emi Buendia’s first-half display at Lille, citing poor duels and fouls, and urges Emery to turn to options like Tammy Abraham or Leon Bailey.
