Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you the view of one pundit who has given his verdict on the Champions League race
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13:27, 24 May 2025
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy(Image: BBC)
Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy feels Aston Villa will secure Champions League football but admits he'd love to see Nottingham Forest secure a place in Europe's most prestigious competition.
Ahead of the final day of the season, the former Liverpool midfielder has had his say on the race to secure a place in the top five which will dominate the headlines this weekend.
Villa, Chelsea, Forest, Newcastle and Man City are all still trying to secure their place in the top five.
City and Newcastle are favourites to clinch third and fourth place respectively in the table, but it is the fifth spot that is causing most intrigue.
Villa head to Manchester United knowing they need a result to have any hope of qualifying and a win will be enough if either Newcastle or Chelsea drop points, or if Man City lose.
Murphy is predicting that Villa will do their job at Old Trafford and Forest will beat Chelsea meaning the latter two miss out.
And Murphy feels that Forest missing out on Champions League football given they sat in the top five for so long, would be a shame.
Murphy said: “I’ve got a feeling that Nottingham Forest will beat Chelsea and Aston Villa will beat Manchester United on Sunday.
“That means Villa will secure that final Champions League spot and Chelsea and Forest will drop out, that’s what I think – not what I want. The story of Nottingham Forest is massive for English football, it gives other clubs hope, it’s phenomenal.
“Crystal Palace and Newcastle have both won trophies, maybe it’s meant to be that Forest can finish it off. My gut feeling is that United won’t be able to get up for the Villa game after their loss in the final, Forest will win but that will ultimately help Villa.
“Chelsea have it in their own hands, and that’s the best place to be. It only takes Cole Palmer to have a big day and they can win any game – but there’s always something that happens on the last day. Maybe I’m being too romantic! I’m sticking with Villa.”
Who will take the Champions League spots? Have your say HERE.