Aston Villa look to cement top-five spot against Sunderland

Villa riding high after Europa League success, but Premier League form has lacked consistency

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract football match between Aston Villa and Sunderland, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the action on the pitch.Aston Villa's European exploits have them riding high, but they must overcome a resilient Sunderland side to cement their top-five Premier League position.Today in Birmingham

Aston Villa host Sunderland in the Premier League today, hoping to cement their position in the top five. The Villans are coming off a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory over Bologna in the Europa League, but their domestic form has been inconsistent since January. Manager Unai Emery will be wary of any physical fatigue from the midweek exploits, and Villa must improve their clinical edge to overcome Sunderland's resilient defense.

Why it matters

A win for Aston Villa would solidify their place in the Premier League's top five, keeping them on track for European qualification. However, their inconsistent league form since the new year means they can't afford to overlook a tough Sunderland side.

The details

Aston Villa will be without the injured Boubacar Kamara and Alysson, so Emery is expected to lean on his established core. Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans should form the midfield pivot, while John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía will provide service for striker Ollie Watkins. Morgan Rogers is set to operate in the number ten role. Emiliano Martínez remains the undisputed choice in goal.

  • Aston Villa thrashed Bologna 4-0 on Thursday to complete a 7-1 aggregate victory in the Europa League quarter-finals.
  • Villa have won only four of their 13 Premier League matches since January.

The players

Unai Emery

The manager of Aston Villa, who has guided the club to the Europa League semi-finals.

Ollie Watkins

The Aston Villa striker who is on the verge of making club history by scoring 10 goals in major European competition.

John McGinn

The Aston Villa midfielder who is set to start on the flank and could become the second Villan to score in three consecutive European starts.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain our focus and intensity after the high of the Europa League win. Sunderland will be a tough test, and we need to be clinical to overcome their resilient defense.”

— Unai Emery, Aston Villa Manager

What’s next

If Aston Villa win, they will cement their position in the Premier League's top five and take a big step towards European qualification.

The takeaway

Aston Villa's European success has been impressive, but their inconsistent domestic form since January means they can't afford to overlook a determined Sunderland side. A victory would be a significant boost to their Champions League aspirations.