Aston Villa may have ended their winless run but they must finish the year strongly to maintain their European hopes.

Wednesday’s victory over Brentford ended an eight-match wait for a victory to at least keep them in touching distance of the top five.

In a condensed league Villa could easily slip further into mid-table with another poor run and a return to the Champions League already looks beyond them this season.

Naturally the visit of bottom side Southampton on Saturday will be viewed as an opportunity for another three points before Villa travel to RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

They then face Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle and Brighton knowing a strong finish to the year will keep them in European contention.

Any struggles against those sides and they will lose vital ground in the race for the Europa League and Europa Conference League places.

But the schedule is taking its toll, Unai Emery conceding he is unlikely to be able to name an unchanged side against the Saints