What happened: Aston Villa are back in pole position for Champions League qualification, the top priority for manager Unai Emery. After a recent dip in form, the team has recovered strongly. Telegraph's John Percy highlights their ability to defy expectations.
Why it matters: Securing a top-four finish would mark a remarkable return to Europe's elite competition for Villa after decades away. It intensifies pressure on rivals Tottenham and Manchester United in the final stretch.
By the numbers: Standings (as of latest): Aston Villa 4th (65 pts), Tottenham 5th (62 pts), Man Utd 6th (58 pts). Top-4 movement: Villa from 3.00 to 1.75. Recent form: W-W-D-L-W. No major injuries reported.
What to watch: Monitor Villa's clash with Tottenham and rivals' midweek fixtures for shifts in the table. Track Emery's lineup tweaks for fatigue management.