Villa are challenging for Champions League qualification via the Premier League and the Europa League
Unai Emery reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Lille OSC at Villa Park
Unai Emery is hoping to finish in the top five and win the Europa League.
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Gareth Barry has backed Aston Villa to deliver a historic double by securing Champions League qualification alongside their first major trophy in 30 years.
After the international break, Villa go into the run in fourth in the Premier League table and in the quarter finals of the Europa League.
They have seven league games still to play with trips to Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Burnley and Manchester City and home matches against Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Barry was a member of the Martin O’Neill team that fell short of Champions League qualification and was unable to end the trophy drought almost 20 years ago.
Asked what position he thinks Villa will finish the season in, Barry replied: “Fourth.”
“I had a look at the fixtures and if they can get between 10 and 12 points, that will definitely guarantee them fifth and possibly get them fourth. The Liverpool game at home could be a pivotal point in terms of finishing above them. But there's no easy game, but the fixtures are there for Villa to qualify. And the cup and the players coming back, they're in a strong position.”
Former Aston Villa and England star Gareth Barry, the 'Angry Ambassador' at the launch of the new Angry Bird game at TOCA Social in Birmingham.(Image: Free for PR use; Toca, Sam Todd)
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It has been a rollercoaster season for Villa with a stuttering start followed by an unprecedented winning run before a concerning drop off in form.
Last weekend’s 2-0 victory over West Ham, combined with the clubs around them dropping points, sees Villa in fourth with seven matches to go. They have a five point cushion over Liverpool in fifth and are six points ahead of sixth-place Chelsea. After a campaign of ups and downs, Barry says Villa need to rediscover some positive momentum.
“If you can get that momentum and confidence into your team in the final games then it goes a long way,” he said. “There's players in the dressing room that have got over the line in the Champions League. They've done it a couple years ago, so they've got experience of doing it. They’ve got a good spine and an experienced manager so they’ve got a strong chance.”
Barry is confident Villa can make it a truly memorable season on two fronts. As well as qualifying for the Champions League through their Premier League position he is convinced they can go on and lift the Europa League. It would be the club’s first trophy since the Coca Cola Cup triumph in 1996, 30 years ago.
"Talking about the league and the cup are two completely different things,” said Barry.
“It's on the day, isn't it really? But they’ve got a strong squad and they’re favourites for a reason.
“They've got the best squad of the teams left in the competition, they’ve got the manager that's won this trophy before, so I think they're worthy favourites and they can go on and win it. It would be lovely to end that run of years of no trophy for Aston Villa and when you win that first trophy, why not go and win three or four after?”
Gareth Barry is the official 'Angry Ambassador' of the new Angry Birds game at TOCA Social which launches in all its UK venues from March 30. The experience will be available at the Bullring (Birmingham), The O2, and Westfield White City. Bookings can be made at www.toca.social.