Gary Neville has predicted which five Premier League clubs will qualify for the Champions League this season
Gary Neville
Gary Neville(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United legend Gary Neville hopes Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League this season but believes they will finish outside the top five.
Unai Emery’s side lost 2-0 at bottom club Wolves last Friday but remain six points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea ahead of hosting the Blues on Wednesday night.
Manchester United have been the form team in the Premier League since Michael Carrick joined as interim manager in January.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have won four of their last five matches, thrashing West Ham 5–2 at Anfield in their most recent outing.
Predicting which three teams will join Arsenal and Manchester City in the top five, Neville admitted he is now concerned for Villa considering their results without injured trio, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara.
"I think United will definitely finish third," he said on The Gary Neville Podcast.
"I can't believe I'm saying that from where they were six weeks ago. But, they've got no distractions, something good is going on, all the momentum.
"I think Liverpool finish fourth and I think Chelsea will finish fifth. I hope Villa finish in the top five, I really do.
"I've said before that their manager is an experienced and wise guy. If they get some players back; midfield players being injured have cost them in the last few weeks.
"I just think it will Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. The only doubt will be Chelsea or Villa for fifth.
"Getting injuries like they've had in midfield has killed them a lot. Michael Carrick's had Harry Maguire come back. He had Lisandro Martinez come back for a few games. He had Mbeumo and Amad come back from AFCON. He's had some good fortune in players coming back for him. Unai Emery has lost players.
"Injuries will be a big factor. Other competitions will be a big factor. At the moment, they're in danger Villa. They're vulnerable in terms of the Champions League places."