Alan Hutton: Aston Villa are dark horses for the Champions League
Former Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton has told NewBettingOffers.co.uk that he thinks Villa will be deemed the dark horse of this season’s Champions League, if they can overcome Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to NewBettingOffers.co.uk, Hutton said: “I’d love to be able to sit here and say I think Aston Villa can go all the way in the Champions League but it’s such a difficult competition. They’ve been excellent in Europe and have had a brilliant season so far – their additions in the January transfer window were top quality too.
“This could be the step that is one too far for them – this Paris Saint-Germain team is outstanding. They just won the Ligue 1 title at the weekend, and although they weren’t as strong in the league phase of the Champions League, they’ve really stepped up a notch since. They’ve put in some serious performances lately and it’s probably one of the best PSG sides I’ve seen in a while.
“Villa boss Unai Emery will have a plan and that will be to be a bit more defensive in the first leg and try and hit them on the break. If they’re still in the tie for the second leg, then I’m sure the tactics will change in that game and it’ll be a little bit different. I want to say that they’ll get to the next round – if you want to win this trophy, you’ve got to beat the best teams on the way there.
“If Villa do end up beating PSG over those two legs, then you’d have to say they have a real chance at winning the whole thing. I want to say that’s the case now as they’ve got a good opportunity and a talented squad that can cause any team problems, but it’s just about who turns up on the night. They’ll certainly be the dark horse in the competition if they get through to the next round and you’d feel as though they can upset any team.
“The atmosphere at Villa Park on a European night is absolutely amazing, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in a few of them working, and the fans have been outstanding. Villa have put together some good performances so far in the competition and at their home ground they look like they’re loving every minute of it. The fans have dealt with plenty of ups and downs over the years so to see them where they are is amazing, and the fans will play a huge part in the return leg.”
Villa can pinch top five in the Premier League
Hutton reckons that if Villa continue their hot streak, they are more than capable of reaching the European places once again in the Premier League this season.
“It's going to be difficult reaching the Champions League spots again this year,” he said. “But I do think they can do it. Looking at recent form, they’ve won seven on the bounce in all competitions but the only downside is the run-in looks quite difficult for them. All the teams they’re up against from now until the end of the season are around them in the table. If they can stay to the level they’ve shown, they can do it.
“They have got a strong squad and can compete, it’s just about being consistent. If they can do that until the end of the season, then I feel like they can do enough to break into those spots.”
Villa should keep hold of Rashford and Asensio
Hutton expressed the importance of keeping players such as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio in the Villa squad, citing the two star loanees as individuals who will bolster the quality of the younger players if they were to stick around.
He added: “I’d be trying to keep hold of Marcus Rashford if I was Aston Villa, if it’s possible. He might have other thoughts on what his future looks like but I’ve seen him playing with a smile on his face at Villa. He’s working hard and wants to do whatever Unai Emery asks of him. He also looks like he gets on with his teammates.
“When Rashford is on song, he’s one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League. When he’s at the top of his game and he’s happy and healthy, he plays the ball quickly and keeps running to take on the full-backs, that’s when he’s really good. He’s getting back to that now and is scoring more, his confidence is growing as he’s proving to everyone that he can do it.
“When you bring a player like Marco Asensio into your squad, it helps to re-sign players like Rashford who they’ll want to play alongside on a regular basis. There are lots of ifs and buts, but he’s done enough for Villa to want him to stay full time.”
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