Dropping points is not an option: Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur preview and team news

Two Premier League games to go. Six points required for the Lions.

The next two games are massive. There’s no other way to describe them. It’s now or never and only now will do.

Aston Villa have no margin of error, no room for manoeuvre, in the fight to qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League. Six points against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United would put them in a strong position. Anything less and they really will be looking for favours.

The difference between one year in Europe’s premier club competition and consecutive qualifications is enormous. Lots of clubs are capable of fluking a Champions League place. Two in a row is something else entirely.

Villa need two wins in their own fixtures and for teams above to drop points. It’s a complicated picture but if Unai Emery’s team can pick up six points they’ll be in the mix. Newcastle United (third, 66 points) playing Arsenal (second, 68 points) on Sunday will see to that.

Goal difference is another story altogether.