The inclusion and development of Lyon, indeed not being relegated from Ligue 1, could end up seeing Aston Villa's Premier League opponent, Crystal Palace, not in Europa League. While the aspect continues to play itself out, it is still a competition that many Villa fans are excited about for the possibility of being able to win a piece of silverware.
UEL is commonly referred to as Unai Emery's competition. There will still be a steep path for Villa to end up hoisting the trophy at the end at Istanbul's Beşiktaş Park.
There is an overall step up in competition this year, with sides like AS Roma, Real Betis, Lille, and FC Porto being in the mix for the competition this upcoming year.
Far from an easy potential route to the final, this would be quite the undertaking for Villa to still come out on top and end up winning this European competition.
What can't happen, and wouldn't anyway under Emery, is Villa focusing most of their attention only on Europa League. Other managers, if placed in a similar position, would essentially save the team's full efforts for the 'more winnable' competition.
For Villa fans that have this mentality, it is too shortsighted. The aim of the club is to be an annual contender. That will mean needing to be able to play and perform well in Champions League while also continuing to secure a top place in the Premier League each year. As a bonus, Emery is the type to want to also make a push in the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Important task for Aston Villa ahead
Regardless, Villa doing well and making a deep run in Europe as one of the top teams in the EPL has to be what the club continues to strive for. This year will be something of a test and practice attempt at juggling Europe with the EPL schedule. Last season, of course, Villa managed to make it to the CL quarter-finals. It came with an early slow start in league play that forced the club to play catch-up later.
Now, with this current chance of being able to manage a Europa League schedule, Villa know that they will have to have a more overall consistent show of form in the Premier League this upcoming season.