Aston Villa boss Unai Emery believes Sunday’s clash with Manchester United is an old-fashioned ‘six-pointer’ with both clubs vying for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Villa go into the game in fourth place, eight points ahead of Erik ten Hag’s men, but in a slightly sticky run of form, having won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
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Their last Premier League outing did end positively, though, with a 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.
Emery said: “The message is the same as last week at Sheffield United. The Premier League is about consistency over 38 games. Our main objective this season is to be consistent. We are being consistent.
“Each match is so special. Sometimes a key moment can matter. It’s an important match. This match we are playing for six points.”
The teams last met on Boxing Day when Villa led 2-0 at half-time only to lose 3-2 following a stirring second-half comeback from United at Old Trafford.
Asked if that game had left a scar, Emery added: “I’ve forgotten about it. We analysed the game with the players but Sunday will be a different match.
“They are recovering very important players, like Casemiro. They are going to feel stronger and confident.
“We are in front of them but they are contenders – more than us to be in the top four or five positions. But the reality is we’re being consistent. Even if we lose we’ll still be in front.”
The boss confirmed that both Lucas Digne and Pau Torres will be in contention for selection on Sunday. 💪 PIC.TWITTER.COM/MKQIX14VKB
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) FEBRUARY 9, 2024
Villa could be boosted by the returns of Lucas Digne and Pau Torres while Nicolo Zaniolo may be fit to start having played the last few minutes of the midweek defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup.
