Aston Villa are gearing up for a blockbuster Friday night showdown as they welcome Liverpool to Birmingham in a high-stakes Premier League clash that could seal their Champions League fate.

Unai Emery's men have their sights set on European glory, and this top-five six-pointer is nothing short of a must-win. Currently sitting fifth in the table, Villa are just four points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth, with only goal difference separating them from tonight's visitors. A win could lock in that coveted Champions League spot—and maybe even confirm it before the final whistle blows this matchweek.

But Villa's recent league form has been shaky, with just one point from their last three outings: a dramatic 2-2 draw against Burnley sandwiched between defeats to Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Still, there's plenty of optimism buzzing around Villa Park after their emphatic 4-1 aggregate demolition of Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals. That victory punched their ticket to the final and sparked hopes of ending a three-decade-long wait for silverware.

Winning the Europa League would also guarantee a Champions League berth, but Villa aren't leaving anything to chance. They'll be desperate to get the job done tonight, especially after losing to Liverpool earlier this season.

With the Europa League final looming, Emery might shuffle his pack. Expect Emiliano Martinez to start between the posts, while Lucas Digne could replace Ian Maatsen after starting the Burnley draw on the bench. The £25 million man might join Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Matty Cash in defense, while Victor Lindelof has reinvented himself in midfield. It's a lineup built for vengeance—and a ticket to Europe's biggest stage.