According to Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, today’s match against Tottenham is one of the most crucial league fixtures in the club’s recent history, given what is at stake in the race for Champions League qualification. If Villa wins the match at Villa Park, they will move eight points clear of Spurs. However, if they lose, Tottenham will be able to narrow the gap to just two points with a game in hand. Unai Emery’s side secured a win against Spurs in North London in November and are now aiming for their fourth consecutive league victory over Spurs this weekend.Captain McGinn doesn’t shy away from the importance of this six-pointer against Ange Postecoglou and his Cockerels.”Everyone knows how important the game is. It’s probably, in a league fixture, the most important game in the club’s recent history. So the players are aware of that. The supporters will be right up for it and we need to remember that so will Tottenham. We got away with one down at the Tottenham Stadium. They’re a really good team who we’ll fully respect. But we know at Villa Park we’re a force and hopefully we can get three points.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7939287##Making the leap to playing in the UEFA Champions League would be a fantastic reward for the club. Last season, it was Newcastle United who unexpectedly reached one of the coveted top-four slots, but the Villans look like the most likely contenders this time around.”We speak about the Champions League qualification, we are ambitious. Obviously, we want to achieve something that the club haven’t achieved in a long, long time. Our focus from last year was to try to improve and be competitive, which we’ve done so far. Try to improve, get Europa League and then maybe try and get the Champions League. We know it’s in our hands at the moment and we’ve got a really exciting run of games. There’s a lot of us that have been through the journey with the club so we’ve experienced the lows and the highs are hopefully still to come.” It’s possible that Aston Villa will have Jacob Ramsey back in the team. The forward had to leave the field during last weekend’s game against Luton Town due to a foot injury, and was replaced by Morgan Rogers in the 29th minute. While Pau Torres also had to be substituted during Villa’s goalless draw with Ajax, it was more of a precautionary measure.Great interview from Super John Mcginn who thought his career at Villa was over under Emery #AVFC pic.twitter.com/iujlNtkBx6— Aston Villa Updates (@avfcbreaking) March 7, 2024 The visitors may see Pedro Porro return after missing two games due to a knee injury. He is expected to replace Emerson Royal. Pape Sarr is pushing for a return to the starting lineup, with two of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison expected to start alongside him. Brennan Johnson has impressed and is making a case for a starting spot. Postecoglou is pleased with Johnson’s contributions and his growth as a player. All players have the opportunity to play, whether starting or on the bench. Ange is looking for impact from his players and believes that Johnson has been making a positive one.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 28SaturdayMan. Utd. – Everton 2-0 (2-0)/Fernandes 12 pen, Rashford 36 pen/Wolverhampton – Fulham 2-1 (0-0)/Ait-Nouri 52, Semedo 67 – Iwobi 90+9/Crystal Palace – Luton 1-1 (1-0)/Mateta 10 – Woodrow 90+6/Bournemouth – Sheffield Utd 2-2 (0-1)/Ouattara 64, Unal 90+2 – Hamer 28, Robinson 65/Arsenal – Brentford 2-1 (1-1)/Rice 19, Havertz 86 – Wissa 45+4/Sunday16:00: (2.45) Aston Villa (3.70) Tottenham (2.90)17:00: (1.65) West Ham (3.70) Burnley (5.60)17:00: (1.80) Brighton (3.70) Nott.Forest (5.00)18:45: (3.05) Liverpool (3.70) Man.City (2.35)Monday23:00: (2.00) Chelsea (3.70) Newcastle (3.90)***odds are subject to change***
