Aston Villa focus on top four and Europe under Emery
Southampton’s Leo Scienza has a £25m clause. Villa, Leeds and Everton are keen. Saints hope promotion keeps him, but he could move if they miss the Premier League.
Watkins hits 100 goals for Villa, joining Salah and Haaland as PL players with 100+ for a club since his debut. Scored v Bologna, 0.98 xG, 7.8 rating, says it motivates him to reach 100 PL goals.
Villa host Sunderland after routing Bologna 4-0 to reach Europa League semis. Predicted XI includes Martinez, Lindelof and Bailey. Tip: Villa 3-1 Sunderland as Champions League chase continues.
Emery comments on Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka and his future, drawing on their Arsenal ties. Details unspecified.
Villa monitor Bayern’s Noel Aseko after Hannover loan, with a €10-12m fee touted. Roma lead interest. Villa also eye free agent Oscar Mingueza to add right-back competition for Matty Cash.
Emery hails Villa’s push on two fronts, prioritising top-four Premier League finish while targeting Europa League glory. Says semi-final is not enough and calls for Villa Park to be a fortress.
Youri Tielemans says he ‘feels good’ after ankle and calf issues, crediting a coordinated Belgium-Villa plan. He logged big minutes vs Bologna and Forest and hails chemistry with Amadou Onana.
Focus on Matty Cash to shackle Enzo Le Fee. Cash’s form has dipped after errors vs Forest and Bologna, but nullifying Le Fee at Villa Park could steady Villa’s Champions League push.
Sam Barrott set to referee Aston Villa vs Sunderland. Villa have 2 wins, 3 defeats and 1 draw in his six games, including a 1-1 at Sunderland when Reinildo was sent off. Sunderland fare better under him.
