According to Aston Villa’s team leader, John McGinn, their upcoming game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday is their most important match in recent times to secure a top-four spot in the league.
Villa achieved a win, placing them in fourth position in the Premier League. This would widen their lead over Tottenham, who are currently in fifth place, by eight points with only 10 games remaining (although Tottenham has one less game played). McGinn, who became part of Villa in 2018, expressed the team’s awareness of the importance of the match against Tottenham. Securing fourth place would secure a spot in the Champions League for Villa, a tournament they have not participated in since 1982-83.
According to McGinn, this upcoming league fixture is potentially the most crucial game in the club’s recent history. The players are well aware of its significance, but I will remind them if I feel they need a reminder in the next few days.
“The fans will be highly motivated and we must keep in mind that Tottenham will be as well. We were fortunate to win at Tottenham’s stadium [in a 2-1 victory in November]. They are a strong team that deserves our full respect. However, we are aware that at Villa Park, we are a formidable force and we aim to secure three points.”
This season, Villa has performed exceptionally well at home with only two league losses. They are now preparing to face Spurs at home, just 3 days after a 0-0 draw against Ajax in Amsterdam in the first leg of the Europa Conference League last-16. According to McGinn, the players have openly expressed their desire to qualify for Europe’s top competition, the tournament that Villa won in 1982, after finishing seventh in the previous season.
“We have discussed it and we are determined,” stated the midfielder from Scotland. “Of course, we have our sights set on accomplishing something that the club hasn’t achieved in a while. Our main goal from last year was to continue improving and be competitive in this tournament, which we have successfully achieved thus far. The manager has emphasized that he will assess the season after gameweek 32 to see where we stand.”
“Our goal is to make improvements and qualify for the Europa League. Our ultimate aim is to ultimately secure a spot in the Champions League. We are aware that our fate is in our own hands and we have a thrilling lineup of games ahead of us. Many of us have been with the club for a long time and have experienced both the ups and downs, and we are hopeful for more highs to come.”
Skip over the promotion for the newsletter.
after newsletter promotion
The Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is a doubt after picking up a foot problem in the victory against Luton last weekend but defender Pau Torres is fit to feature after being taken off at half-time in Amsterdam to manage his fitness.
Source: theguardian.com
