Gabriel Agbonlahor has admitted Aston Villa will never have a better chance of Champions League qualification than this season. "For us to finish in the top four will be hard - but it will be good for the Premiership if someone can do it, whether it's us, Everton or whoever.

"Manchester City and Tottenham will be pushing hard next season. That's why we really want to make it this time because next year it will be even harder when you look at the money that Man City and Spurs will spend.

"Next season there could be seven or eight challenging for a top-four place."

The England international added: "We've been up challenging for the top four all season and also involved in the cup competitions. We've had a lot of games.

"It has been hard not to think about the Champions League. It's a fantastic competition that everyone here would love to be a part of.

"It's on your mind all the time. You look at all the other results and work out how it affects you.

"Now we go to United and apparently I wasn't even born when we last won there - but there's no reason why we can't change that.

"Our away form has been good overall this season.

"Too many teams go to Old Trafford and just give up without even trying. But teams like Everton, who went there with a positive attitude, almost got something.

"We're treating every game like a cup final and hopefully that will be enough at the end of the season. If it's not, then we will build on things next season."