Aston Villa 'unfancied' as Liverpool legend delivers Premier League top-four verdict

Aston Villa have been backed to once again finish in the Premier League top four, alongside Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

After defying all expectation to finish in fourth place in the top-flight last season and qualify for this season’s Champions League, Unai Emery’s side are doing the same again so far this campaign. Not only are they in fourth place in the Premier League after eight matches, they are also top of the Champions League league phase table with a 100% record after three matches.

Amid fears in some quarters that Villa may fade amid their formidable challenge on domestic and European fronts, Liverpool legend John Barnes believes they can sustain a push for the top four, ahead of the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

READ MORE: Villa announce Champions League ticket prices and details vs Juventus

READ MORE: Villa receive injury boost ahead of Bournemouth clash

Barnes insists the title race is purely between champions Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, but puts Villa firmly as favourites to finish fourth.

“I think the race for the final Champions League place is as interesting as the title race because you've got Aston Villa, Tottenham and Chelsea all with an eye on that, along with Newcastle and Man United, who are a little bit further away at the moment,” he said, speaking to Lucky Block.

“I think any of those teams could grab it. It will come down to who can actually put a consistent run together.

“At this moment in time, Villa seems to be the team who are leading the pack and have the best chance. As much as Aston Villa are the most unfancied team for that four spot, and that’s even after qualifying for the Champions League last season, but the other clubs have more pedigree in recent years and some have better players, but they seem to be the ones who have got the most stability.

“There are good players and a good manager at Villa Park, I'll make them favourites (for fourth). Things can change, especially around Christmas when the games start to stack up, but in terms of what they're actually doing now, I would make them favourites.”

Where do you think Villa will finish in the Premier League? Tell us HERE

The latest Villa headlines sent straight to your phone

Join our Aston Villa WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click on this link and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. It's a free service. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from our Villa writers.

We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Villa news. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. Click here to read our Privacy Notice