Aston Villa are set for EFL Cup action on Wednesday night as they host Crystal Palace. While facing a fellow Premier League team is no easy task, the tie is considered less challenging than Tottenham’s clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Both Aston Villa and Spurs are hungry for silverware, as neither club has lifted a trophy in recent years. Villa’s last major triumph was in 1996 under Brian Little, while Spurs won their most recent title, also the League Cup, back in 2008.
Despite the importance of the EFL Cup, Villa fans know that this competition doesn’t hold the top priority for the club this season. Villa’s return to the Champions League has shifted their main focus to European success, as this marks the first time in decades they’re competing on the biggest stage in club football. The question for fans and the club itself is whether winning a domestic trophy or securing another season in the Champions League should take precedence.
Football analyst Jamie Carragher recently commented on Villa’s trophy chances, expressing that “most people” doubt Villa will clinch silverware this season. However, Villa’s position has improved drastically, largely due to their ambitious owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, and the leadership of manager Unai Emery. Carragher noted that Villa and Tottenham are “big football clubs on the edge of joining the elite,” but argued that, despite recent progress, few believe Villa will secure a trophy without further convincing performances. His comments came on *The Overlap*, where he discussed Villa’s potential alongside Paul Scholes.
Aston Villa’s squad depth has undoubtedly strengthened, with players like Jhon Duran, Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Emi Buendia, and Leon Bailey, who didn’t start in the team’s recent 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, available to bolster the lineup for cup competitions. This squad flexibility allows Emery to rotate players and still field a competitive team across multiple competitions. As Villa continues to progress in the Champions League, balancing the demands of domestic and international tournaments becomes a defining challenge of the season.
The longing for silverware is deeply ingrained in Villa’s fan base, especially after experiencing numerous near-misses and final defeats. The last time the club reached a cup final was in 2020, where they narrowly lost to Manchester City 2-1 in the League Cup final under Dean Smith. Many fans remember the heartbreak of that day as they continue to wait for the club’s next major title. The last time Villa celebrated a trophy victory was in 1996 when they triumphed 3-0 over Leeds United in the League Cup final at the old Wembley Stadium, with Brian Little at the helm.
Villa’s 1982 European Cup win remains one of the club’s proudest achievements, a reminder of the legacy they aim to rebuild. As Unai Emery’s team advances through the season, supporters are optimistic that this could be the year Villa ends their trophy drought.
With Emery’s tactical acumen, the backing of a well-equipped squad, and a blend of young talent and experienced players, Villa may finally be on the brink of adding a new chapter to their storied history. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right balance between domestic and European ambitions, Villa could be poised to bring silverware back to the Midlands.