A top-eight spot in the Champions League group phase is about far more for Aston Villa than a couple of quiet weeks in February.
Unai Emery’s men face Celtic at Villa Park on Wednesday night knowing a win would give them an excellent chance of a place in the last 16, avoiding next month’s two-leg play-off round in the process.
Emery was asked whether a lighter fixture calendar would help his side, yet there are more important matters at play.
A spot in the round of 16 brings a guarantee of about £9.