The Villains searching for loot

As the weekend fast approaches, Aston Villa are sitting third in the premier league with 38 points and could potentially be top of the summit after their game at home to Sheffield United. The Villains have been brilliant this term under Unai Emery and have shown their resilience and attacking prowess since the season kicked off back in August.

With back-to-back victories against league favourites, Arsenal and Manchester City respectively, it comes as no surprise that Villa fans may start to believe the unthinkable. The unimaginable. And, should victory be assured on Saturday, Aston Villa will be top of the table and that surely will be a massive boost of confidence for the Midlanders. Naysayers will be full of doubt, however, in this premier league anything is possible (a certain Leicester City comes to mind).

Last time out, Villa had to come from behind in their match away to Brentford after Lewis-Potter netted for the home-side at the stroke of half time. Villa pressed and were rewarded for their endeavours in the 77^th minute as Alex Moreno equalised before in-form striker Ollie Watkins secured the win in the 85^th minute. With Man City dropping points, it is absolutely imperative for ambitious title challengers to capitalise wherever possible and Aston Villa have done that. The season is now at the halfway stage and if Emery and his team can sustain this level of performance, there is every chance that they will be crowned champions in May.

With that being said, City still remain the team to beat and will be competing for the title for the duration. They are currently without marksman Haaland and club stalwart Kevin De Bruyne but once key players return to full fitness, City will be firing from all angles. Both Arsenal and Liverpool share sentiments with Villa in regards to seizing opportunities to extend the gap from City. Ultimately though, it is fair to observe this year’s title as a four-horse race. There are Spurs supporters who may beg to differ and may feel their club aren’t quite out of the race and should be considered and perhaps there’s credit in this thinking although it would require efforts of mammoth proportions should this dream ever be realised.

For now at least, Aston Villa remain on course to finish in the top four and will be hoping results go their way. Football is a funny old game and who knows, dare I say Villa, premier league champions? I will pinch myself at the end of the season. Merry Christmas.

Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, Oi, Oi…….