Aston Villa v Liverpool: Key stats and talking points

Aston Villa host Liverpool with a win for either side enough to secure Champions League qualification. BBC Sport explores some further themes around this fixture. Villa's stuttering end to the domestic season will be largely inconsequential if they can end the 2025-26 campaign with a first major European trophy in 44 years.

Villa have taken eight points from the past 27 available, dating back to a 2-0 loss at Wolves on 27 February when they sat third in the table. Only relegated Burnley and Chelsea have amassed fewer points over that period. [BBC] Villa's primary focus is Europe Victory in the Europa League final on Wednesday would guarantee a place in next season's Champions League and render Villa's final league position almost irrelevant.

Villa will start as favourites against German outfit Freiburg next week and in Unai Emery they possess a manager who excels in that competition. The Spaniard has won four Europa League titles – a record for a manager - although it is worth noting that his only defeat in this final came while in charge of an English side. [BBC] Friday's Premier League match does still hold some significance and a win would secure Villa's place in the top five with a game to spare.

They have not lost a final league match at Villa Park since their Premier League return in 2019 (W4, D2), a run which includes an entertaining 3-3 draw with Liverpool two years ago. Liverpool seek to end season on a high It would be fair to say that Liverpool's title defence has not gone exactly to plan. The Reds head into this weekend 20 points behind league leaders Arsenal and have amassed 24 fewer points than at this stage last season after suffering 11 defeats.