Aston Villa's nine-month pursuit of the same goal down two paths may be all but complete a week from now. For the third spring running, Villa enter a knockout semi-final in which they are widely assumed to be the stronger side,

Boss Unai Emery is clear about Aston Villa's priorities ahead of what could be a historic end to their season. Villa are aiming to end their 30-year trophy drought as they look to beat Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals - with next week's first-leg at the City Ground.

Why a host of clubs, including Chelsea, may have a backdoor route into the Champions League if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth

With Morgan Rogers likely to be targeted by the Premier League's wealthiest clubs and others likely to move on, Villa are looking for players who can operate across the attacking line.

The 54-year-old is one of the most successful Spanish coaches to have worked abroad. Tonight, he faces his seventh Europa League semi-final.

A remarkable match saw Tottenham win 4-0 at Villa Park to seemingly deal the decisive blow in what had been a to-and-fro fourth place battle. But Spursyness prevailed as Ange Postecoglou's side went on to win just four of their remaining 11 Premier League matches to drop into the Europa League.