Aston Villa have moved level on points with the Chelsea in the Premier League's fifth and final Champions League spot, but plenty could change in the final weeks of the campaign.

Playing in the Champions League every year is not essential to the club’s business model. That said, competing in Europe remains crucial. It enables Villa to maintain a large, competitive squad capable of challenging in the league, domestic cups, and European competitions.

Aston Villa boosted its chances of Champions League qualification with a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday. Youri Tielemans' first-half header settled the game at Villa Park and moved seventh-place Villa level on points with Chelsea in fifth and Nottingham Forest in sixth.