How Aston Villa perform in the next four weeks could shape this club for the next four years – and Unai Emery is producing a masterclass in squad management to ensure they hit their targets.
'Team first' has been the mantra at Bodymoor Heath in recent weeks, as Villa have chased goals on three fronts. Now they are down to two: winning a first major trophy since 1996 and earning another crack at the Champions League next season.
With a fully-fit squad to choose from, Emery knows he will have to leave out some important players in key matches, starting with the trip to Manchester City on Tuesday and the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday.