Aston Villa have an important run of fixtures ahead of them, as they look to join the conversation for the Premier League title race as a potential surprise contender
Aston Villa players celebrate after beating Brighton & Hove Albion
Aston Villa are just six points off the top of the Premier League
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Aston Villa can dare to dream, for the next few days at the very least, as they have entered the Premier League title race conversation as a potential surprise contender.
After a sluggish start to the campaign, Unai Emery has helped guide the club to calmer waters once again, with a wide-open league giving way for a surge up the table.
After Villa's chaotic 4-3 win over Brighton, they managed to jump up to third, just one point behind Manchester City in second and six points behind league leaders Arsenal.
However unlikely a title charge may be, the Villa Park faithful have only seen their team move from strength to strength and they can afford to dream that anything can be possible.
Not least if they manage to pick up a win over current leaders Arsenal over the weekend, in perhaps the biggest of their upcoming fixtures across all competitions.
So, with that said, here's a look at how Villa's fixtures compare to their title rivals in the race at the top of the league.
Aston Villa's next six fixtures
Arsenal (H) - December 6 - Premier League.
Basel (A) - December 11 - Champions League.
West Ham (A) - December 14 - Premier League.
Man United (A) - December 21 - Premier League.
Chelsea (A) - December 27 - Premier League.
Arsenal (A) - December 30 - Premier League.
The next six fixtures will be crucial for Villa sticking in the title race in the Premier League, while furthering their ambitions in Europe.
Emery has one of the most challenging runs coming up, facing off against Arsenal twice, as well as the likes of Chelsea and a resurgent Manchester United.
If they can get through those games, plus clashes with Basel and West Ham on the road, then the team will be in fine shape to challenge at the top.
A run of five away games on the bounce should cause some concern, however, with the quick turnaround likely to cause some fatigue if not managed properly.
Arsenal's next six fixtures
Aston Villa (A) - December 6 - Premier League.
Club Brugge (A) - December 10 - Champions League.
Wolves (H) - December 13 - Premier League.
Everton (A) - December 20 - Premier League.
Crystal Palace (H) - December 23 - Carabao Cup.
Brighton (H) - December 27 - Premier League.
Man City's next six fixtures
Sunderland (H) - December 6 - Premier League.
Real Madrid (A) - December 10 - Champions League.
Crystal Palace (A) - December 14 - Premier League.
Brentford (H) - December 17 - Carabao Cup.
West Ham (H) - December 20 - Premier League.
Nottingham Forest (A) - December 27 - Premier League.
Chelsea's next six fixtures
Bournemouth (A) - December 6 - Premier League.
Atalanta (A) - December 9 - Champions League.
Everton (H) - December 13 - Premier League.
Cardiff (A) - December 16 - Carabao Cup.
Newcastle United (A) - December 20 - Premier League.
Aston Villa (H) - December 27 - Premier League.