Aston Villa v Lille: Pau Torres says Unai Emery’s side can continue to fight on two fronts

Aston Villa can challenge for Europa Conference League glory and Champions League qualification, says centre-back Pau Torres.

They have not finished higher than fifth in the Premier League since 1997 but sit outside the top four only on goal difference, behind Tottenham.

Two leagues will get an extra Champions League place based on their teams’ performances in Europe this season – as decided by Uefa’s coefficient table. Italy lead that table, but fifth in the Premier League would secure a spot if England finishes above Germany to get second.

Villa are favourites to win the Conference League, ahead of Fiorentina and Fenerbahce, going into the last eight, and Spain international Torres believes they can fight on both fronts.

“Yes, we have a really good squad and a really good team,” said the former Villarreal defender, who won the Europa League under current Villa boss Unai Emery in 2021.

“With enough players to play 100% in each game, we are working on it. This week is a hard week, a tough week, but we need to keep fighting.

“Now, for me, both competitions are so important. We are working on it. This month and a half is the most important and every player is focused on it.”

Boss Emery is also adamant Villa’s top four charge will not influence his team selection as he bids to end their 28-year trophy drought, since a 1996 League Cup win.

They travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal, Emery’s former club, on Sunday but the manager said it would not impact his thinking for Thursday.

“No way, we are speaking about the match tomorrow and we are thinking about the match we are going to play then. It’s not good for us, me or anybody,” said Emery, who has won four Europa League titles.

“We are having experiences and it’s the most important thing to be competitive and trying to be successful. We are excited with the objective we have in front of us.”

Emery remains without Matty Cash, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Clement Lenglet is also out with a minor knock.

Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Boubacar Kamara (all knee) are progressing but will not play this season and Jacob Ramsey is also sidelined until next term with a toe injury.