Aston Villa have emerged as a dark horse in the Premier League title race, sparking hope among their fans after a promising run of results under Unai Emery. Once struggling early in the campaign, Villa have surged up the table, currently sitting just six points behind leaders Arsenal and only one point shy of Manchester City in second.
Their thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton, despite moments of chaos, boosted Villa’s confidence and position, moving them into third place. This recent momentum has opened the door for Villa supporters to dream big — especially with a key fixture on the horizon: a home clash against league leaders Arsenal, which could be a defining moment in their season.
Looking ahead, here’s a closer comparison of Aston Villa’s next six matches alongside those of Arsenal and Manchester City:
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Aston Villa’s Upcoming Fixtures:
- Arsenal (H) – December 6 (Premier League)
- Basel (A) – December 11 (Champions League)
- West Ham (A) – December 14 (Premier League)
- Manchester United (A) – December 21 (Premier League)
- Chelsea (A) – December 27 (Premier League)
- Arsenal (A) – December 30 (Premier League)
Villa’s schedule is demanding, including crucial Premier League clashes with title rivals Arsenal twice, as well as competitive games against Chelsea and a resurgent Manchester United. Additionally, they face a challenging away tie against Basel in the Champions League, demonstrating their balancing act between domestic and European ambitions.
One notable concern is Villa’s string of five consecutive away games, which could test squad depth and stamina. Proper rotation and fitness management will be essential to maintain their momentum and avoid burnout during this pivotal phase.
Arsenal’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)
Manchester City’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)
While Arsenal and Manchester City also have challenging matches ahead, Villa’s confrontations with top opposition and a demanding travel schedule make their path particularly testing. If Villa can navigate these fixtures successfully, including securing points against the league leaders, they will firmly establish themselves as genuine contenders in this year’s title race.
Their next six weeks will be vital in shaping the rest of the season and determining whether this surprise title challenge can be sustained — or if Villa will fall back in the pack. For now, the excitement is palpable at Villa Park as the team dares to dream big.