Playing in the Champions League every year is not essential to the club’s business model. That said, competing in Europe remains crucial. It enables Villa to maintain a large, competitive squad capable of challenging in the league, domestic cups, and European competitions.

Aston Villa have moved level on points with the Chelsea in the Premier League's fifth and final Champions League spot, but plenty could change in the final weeks of the campaign.

Aston Villa has boosted its chances of Champions League qualification after topping Fulham 1-0 in the Premier League