Aston Villa are one step closer to qualifying for next season's
Champions League after beating Wolves 2-0 on Saturday . The Villans currently sit fourth in the
Premier League table, three points clear of fifth-placed
Tottenham with just eight games left. Villa face a daunting trip to
Manchester City next although they will have some confidence in having beaten the Cityzens earlier this season . Spurs meanwhile have a game in hand over Villa and do not have the distraction of European
Football which the Villans will need to contend with. Unai Emery's side will face Lille in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals this month as they chase a first major trophy since 1996. READ MORE: Aston Villa identify first summer transfer but face Leeds United competition READ MORE: Unai Emery calls me a Championship player - I love how he's pushing me at Aston Villa Both Villa and Tottenham will be aware of the fact that fifth place this season could also secure Champions League football. The strong performances of English clubs in Europe will secure an extra spot in European football's elite competition.
Manchester United may also have a slight chance of sneaking into the top five although their hopes were dented at the weekend after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brentford. Erik ten Hag's side are eight points off fifth and 11 off Villa with a game in hand over Emery's team. GET INVOLVED: Here's your chance to predict the top four race and see who will secure Champions League football, using our special widget: When recently asked about the top four race , Emery said: "It’s the day 30. There are still eight matches to play and we have to be consistent like we were. Like we showed today as well. "Until the day 33, 34, I don’t want to speak about the possibility to play in the Champions League. We are in and we are happy. We can feel conferrable being fourth in the table. Of course, Tottenham is behind us. "Manchester United as well, they have a potential to recover the distance we have with them. We are going to respect everything and focus on each match. My only focus is City."