Will we qualify for the CL?

[Monty]

They're on a bit of an adrenaline boost, they're a tactically unknown quantity, and the real test will come when the novelty's worn off and coaches come up with the plans to counter them. Not saying they can't keep it going, but that'll be the test.

[TheToffnar]

I was looking at Liverpool's run in earlier and I'd be massively surprised if they caught us, even if you disregard the 7 point gap and the fact they have City at home this weekend.

Everton, United, Sunderland, Brighton and us away paired with some tricky fixtures at home. They're nailed on for some tough CL fixtures in-between as well.

[ChicagoLion]

7 points is nothing.
We had a brilliant run and now we are struggling with injuries.

[Dave]

7 points is nothing.
We had a brilliant run and now we are struggling with injuries.

It's not nothing when you've only won one league match so far this year.

[TheToffnar]

Any points gap is generous when you're struggling. We have better excuses then most for our current dip in form and we'd have to go on a truly horrendous run, whilst all 3 behind kick on to title winning form to finish higher.

Too many novel variables that could go one of two ways for United and Chelsea, where we know we're good enough to beat anyone, irrespective of injuries, two of which will be back for the run in.

Not saying it's impossible for us to drop like a stone, but we've been here before. We rarely if ever go on extended periods of crap form for long under Emery.

[PeterWithesShin]

7 points is nothing.
We had a brilliant run and now we are struggling with injuries.

They have 7 points from their last 6 games. 7 points is a massive gap.

[TheToffnar]

Indeed. Losing games only makes a difference if all 3 behind win, otherwise it's largely redundant.

Not that we should have that mindset generally, of course.

[jwarry]

I think you are all forgetting we have Unai Emery

[Sexual Ealing]

I just heard someone on a podcast say that, if Arsenal win and Man City lose at the weekend, that would be a 9-point gap, and that would be insurmountable. In that context, 7 points looks healthy enough. Obviously Arsenal and Man City have midfields and we don't, but then we're not being chased by Arsenal or Man City.

[Ads]

We have Luiz and Onana. Better than most.

[Sexual Ealing]

Sorry, I meant largely first-choice midfields.

[eye digress]

Btw, we’re talking about United, Liverpool and Chelsea potentially catching us, but City are looking just as jittery as we are.

[Garyth]

Btw, we’re talking about United, Liverpool and Chelsea potentially catching us, but City are looking just as jittery as we are.

I read this, agreed, and was about to move on without saying anything.

Then I did a double take, as I realised that for all my Villa supporting life this sentence would have been unimaginable. It strikes me that not only is it the sentence accurate, but we have normalized ourselves at such a level that I found it not even noteworthy enough to comment on.

These are wild times.

[Smithy]

I just heard someone on a podcast say that, if Arsenal win and Man City lose at the weekend, that would be a 9-point gap, and that would be insurmountable. In that context, 7 points looks healthy enough. Obviously Arsenal and Man City have midfields and we don't, but then we're not being chased by Arsenal or Man City.

The people on podcasts would have a very different tone if Arsenal were defending a points lead after losing three of their first-choice midfield.   If they lost Rice for the season, and Odegaard and Zubimendi for a couple of months, I assure you it would put a VERY different complexion on things.

For us, what matters most of all right now, is Luiz getting up to speed quickly and staying fit (he looked okay at the weekend), and Onana staying fit.  If they can both remain in the first 11 for the next 6 weeks, I think we'll be okay.  But if either one of them breaks down, I would begin to fear a little for us.  We'd essentially be playing our 3rd/4th choice midfield if that happens, and that's just not sustainable beyond a game or two.

[eamonn]

What's Onana's longest stint of starts in a Villa shirt? It feels he doesn't trust his body or has an issue with low-pain threshold.

How likely is it that he's fit for every game for the next 3 months? It ain't realistic.