Unai Emery implores setting to match essential Aston Villa fixture | OneFootball

Beating Nottingham Forest and staying within a Champions League spot in league play is absolutely essential for Aston Villa. There is a lot of buzz and excitement around the club, but the good feelings will only mean so much if this year's success doesn't also bring something with it.

Unai Emery knows this. Throughout the preparation leading into the Brighton and this Nottingham match, the manager has preached focus and intensity. He knows that looking too far ahead is defeating. Every game will require the best of his side across all aspects.

The stakes are certainly there. As of now, Villa would miss out on a CL spot next year and the income and notable fixtures that come with being in Europe's top club competition. Right now, they are expected to be in a difficult matchup against PSG. There is also a future date with Crystal Palace as well, but they have had the Villans number so far.

This shows how well AVFC has done so far to still be in two competitions and potentially in play for a high enough spot in the Premier League. The matter of fact right now is, though, that the team is currently empty-handed. The goodwill and fun of the current run are tremendous, but everyone in the locker room knows that it needs to end with silverware and a higher position in the Prem.

Direct message from boss to Aston Villa fans

Taking a moment to weigh in on the magnitude of the moment, Emery shared a message in the programme notes. The Spaniard shared, as posted on the team X account:

Speaking with the Villa Park supporters, Emery is disclosing how important getting a result is to set up the rest of April for this team. Granted, anything can happen against a Nottingham side that is often able to snag results from the clutches of their opponent. For the Aston Villa boss, however, he knows his men can both seize control and maintain it en route to three points at home in Birmingham.