ONE AIM... WIN SIX POINTER V TEN
Emery: This is special, it’s a key match v
Emery and Ten Hag can land a big blow in race for top four spot
BY
UNAI EMERY says Aston Villa are playing a ‘six-pointer’ with Manchester United tomorrow.
Villa’s boss has faced down his Old Trafford counterpart Erik ten Hag – who billed the game as a ‘cup final.’
The Spaniard called upon Villa Park to do the same as he ramped up the importance of the fixture in the chase for the Champions League spots.
Emery believes Manchester United are ‘stronger, confident and good,’ and asked Villa’s fans to act as one.
He said: “Each match is special and there are key moments in them. The match before this mattered and the matches we play afterwards will be important.
“But we need to use this to play for six points.
“We are in front of them – they were, and are, contenders more than we are to get into the top five.
“Even if we lose, we will be in front of them but they are feeling stronger now, confident and good.
“So, we need a good performance, individually and collectively. We need our fans.
They need to support us with energy.
“It’s going to be difficult – for Manchester United also – because they need to get points against us. “They want to be closer to us. “Of course, there are 38 matches but this is special, a key match.”
Villa were irresistible during the first half of the campaign at home but back-to-back defeats at Villa Park to Newcastle and Chelsea, in the FA Cup, have set them back.
However, a five-goal hammering of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last week proves all the wheels have not fallen off.
Emery said ahead of the midweek defeat by Mauricio Pochettino’s side (Ollie Watkins left frustrated, below) that this week was ‘absolutely crucial’ to Villa’s chances of reaching the top four.he added: “It’s a new challenge, for us and for our supporters.
“We’ll have to use all our positive energy. We need to believe in our way. Sometimes, we haven’t had good performances but overall we have been doing that.
“I’m optimistic for the outcome.” Emery is likely to make a couple of changes tomorrow.
Pau Torres is fit again and may be drafted into the Villa rearguard while Youri Tielemans will be under pressure for his place from Jacob Ramsey.
Villa’s boss explained: “We have to prepare for every detail, stopping their key players, their gameplan.
“We must impose our own play against one of the best teams in the Premier League.
“They have spent a lot of money trying to increase their level with their signings.
“The coach is getting balance with their structure.
“Casemiro is important to them. Rasmus Hojlund is getting goals and playing with more confidence. Alejandro Garnacho is in a good moment and Bruno Fernandes is a very competitive player.
“I’m excited and motivated for everything we will face – that’s why I’m reaching out and trying to connect with our supporters – because we will need them.”