"Welcome to live, minute-by-minute coverage of Aston Villa v Liverpool at Villa Park. In recent weeks, these two have looked nailed-on to qualify for next season's Champions League. That's still the likeliest outcome, but it's far from a done deal and there is a credible scenario in which one of them misses out."
"It involves Villa losing next week's Europa League to Freiburg and in-form Bournemouth (or possibly Brighton) leapfrogging either Villa or Liverpool to finish in the top five. Improbable, sure, but not inconceivable, which means there's plenty riding on tonight even more so given the noise and heat surrounding Arne Slot."
"A win for either team will guarantee Champions League qualification. A defeat particularly for Villa, whose last Premier League game of the season is at the Etihad would create an unwelcome complication. Kick off 8pm."
Aston Villa and Liverpool are competing for next season’s Champions League qualification at Villa Park. Both teams have recently appeared likely to finish in the top positions, but qualification is not guaranteed. A credible alternative scenario exists in which Villa could miss out if they lose next week’s Europa League to Freiburg and Bournemouth leapfrog them, with Brighton also a possible contender. The match carries extra pressure due to surrounding attention on Arne Slot. A win for either team guarantees Champions League qualification. A defeat, especially for Villa, would create complications because their final Premier League match is away at the Etihad.
#champions-league-qualification #aston-villa-vs-liverpool #europa-league #premier-league-top-five #arne-slot
Read at www.theguardian.com
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