The end of the upcoming 2025-2026 season is about as unforgiving as it can be for Aston Villa. While it is not right to overlook any opponent, ever, there are matches that one can circle, anticipating a difficult matchup.
May, in particular, looks especially difficult in that regard. Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley, hosting Liverpool, and then away to Manchester City is how the season will end for Villa. Even if the Reds and City have off-years and aren't in the Premier League title race, it is something of a daunting proposition to have the year end with those two sides.
This can be approached by Unai Emery's men in one of two ways.
For one, this solidifies the need for Villa to do well earlier in the campaign and accumulate points. As is, the fixtures look more doable from an objective standpoint compared to others in the EPL. More importantly, the club does not want to be in a position again in which it needs to get results late on in order to surpass others in the standings.
This was the case heading into the last match against Manchester United. Although the other results allowed it so that only a draw was needed, the fact stands that Villa had to get something from the final Matchday.
Even against a poor Ruben Amorim side, being forced to get a result from Villa Park is never going to be a favorable position at the end of a long Prem season.
Chance to help take an additional step in Aston Villa pursuit
On the other hand, this also provides an opportunity. Regardless of how things look at that point of the year in 2026, Villa has stated an ambitious goal. The aim is to unseat and play a big part in tearing down the notion of the 'big six.'
Fittingly, the last matches of the season against Liverpool and Manchester City provide a unique opportunity to stake a further claim toward that ambition.