Aston Villa have taken a huge step toward qualifying for next season’s Champions League as the Birmingham club have moved 11 points clear of Manchester United.
Villa have enjoyed a stunning run of form recently, recovering from a 2-1 defeat to United last month in perfect fashion as they power on to achieve a historic finish.
An Ollie Watkins-inspired Villa made the trip to Luton Town and will be returning to Villa Park with all three points, putting more pressure on United to do the same on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s men are preparing for a big one – the Manchester derby. Manchester City are challenging for what would be their fourth consecutive Premier League title and it’s a game that United simply cannot afford to lose.
A defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side would all but confirm that United will not be playing in the Champions League next season.
In the event of a win, United would cut the gap to Villa down to eight points and that’s already a big ask, with United still likely to drop points quite regularly between now and the end of the season.
United will also be without their talisman for the game against City, with Rasmus Hojlund ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury after his two-goal show at Luton.
Hojlund has scored seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances, becoming the youngest player ever to score in six straight games.
