Emery admits ´I have my dreams´ with Villa after sealing Champions League qualification

Unai Emery has his sights set on winning the Premier League or Champions League with Aston Villa after securing a top-four finish earlier this week.

Fifth-place Tottenham’s defeat to title-chasing Manchester City on Tuesday meant Villa will play in Europe’s premier club competition next season for the first time in 41 years.

Emery’s side conclude a memorable season – in which they also reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals – away at Crystal Palace on the final day.

And the Spaniard is already focused on achieving bigger and better things with Villa.

“It really was amazing when the [Tottenham-Manchester City] match finished,” he smiled. “At the beginning of the season, it was really a dream. Of course, we worked hard to try to be there.

“I want to get better, and I have my dreams, and I believe in my dreams. Of course, my objectives are to win the Premier League or the Champions League. We are not contenders, but it is our dream to achieve something like that.”

Meanwhile, Palace have enjoyed a strong finish to the season, winning five of their last six games.

The Eagles could seal a top-half finish with a victory – and other results going their way – and Oliver Glasner has urged his players to use that as inspiration at Selhurst Park.

“I’m pleased with the performances we’ve had,” he said. “We want to win. We always focus on what we can influence. If we don’t do our job, we don’t win, we can’t be 10th. It’s good motivation at home to say thank you to the fans.”

See you in London, Villans.pic.twitter.com/L4TO0DySWz

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 18, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Crystal Palace – Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta has scored in each of his last six home Premier League appearances for Palace, netting eight goals along the way.

He is now aiming to become only the second Frenchman after Thierry Henry to find the net in seven successive Premier League appearances on home soil.

Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins

Watkins has recorded the most assists in the Premier League this season with 13.

Only Ashley Young has ever provided more during a single Premier League campaign for Villa (14 in 2007-08).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Palace are unbeaten on each of the previous 11 occasions they have finished a top-flight season with a home match (winning seven, drawing four).

By contrast, Villa have only won once in the 25 occasions they have finished a league campaign with an away game (drawn seven, lost 17).

That sole victory came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2001-02.

On a brighter note, Villa are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League away games in London, winning five of their six this term.

With 16 such points this season, a win or draw here would set a new Premier League record for the most achieved during a single campaign.

Although, you must go back to their title-winning season of 1980-81 for the last time they completed a league double over Palace.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Crystal Palace: 31.8%
Aston Villa: 39.5%
Draw: 28.7