Aston Villa v Sunderland: key stats and talking points

TL;DR

Aston Villa hosts Sunderland as both teams aim for European qualification. Villa seeks to secure a Champions League spot while Sunderland aims to maintain their momentum.

Key points

Aston Villa aims for Champions League qualification.
Sunderland seeks to keep their European football dream alive.
Villa has a seven-point cushion with six games remaining.
Recent form shows Villa has only 12 points from last 11 matches.
Villa has dropped seven points from winning positions since February.

Aston VillaSunderland

Aston Villa host Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST) as both sides approach the closing weeks of the Premier League season with clear ambitions. Villa are aiming to protect a strong position in the quest for Champions League qualification, while Sunderland have momentum and want to keep their dream of European football alive.

Will Villa hold their nerve?

With six games remaining, Aston Villa remain well placed to secure Champions League qualification, holding a seven-point cushion prior to the weekend. Having missed out on a top-five finish on goal difference last season, there is added incentive not to surrender their place so late on this time.

Recent form, however, explains why the race is not yet settled. After being eight points clear of fourth and 11 ahead of sixth after 21 matches, Villa have taken just 12 points from their last 11 league games, the fifth-worst return in the division over that period.

But the issue seems to have been game management rather than control. Since the start of February, only Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions than the seven by Villa, who have won just two of their last five matches after taking the lead.

Unai Emery's record against promoted sides provides reassurance. Villa have never lost a Premier League match to a promoted team under him (W14, D5), with their last such defeat coming against Fulham in Steven Gerrard's last game in charge in October 2022.

Yet Sunderland offer a note of caution, being one of only three Premier League opponents the Spaniard has faced without recording a league win. They drew in the reverse fixture early this season.

A table of Aston Villa's last 11 Premier League results, showing their poor form since mid-January.

[BBC]

Villa stalwarts making their mark

Q&A

What are Aston Villa's chances of qualifying for the Champions League?

Aston Villa currently holds a seven-point cushion for Champions League qualification with six games remaining.

How has Aston Villa's recent form affected their league position?

Aston Villa has taken only 12 points from their last 11 league games, which is the fifth-worst return in the division during that period.

What challenges does Aston Villa face in maintaining their league position?

Aston Villa has struggled with game management, dropping seven points from winning positions since February, which has put their Champions League ambitions at risk.