Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa get mixed verdict in Champions League race

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Manchester United leapfrogged Unai Emery's side into third with their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.Villa have won just one of their last five in the league and are at risk of being caught by the chasing pack, led by Liverpool, who made it three league wins in a row after smashing five past West Ham. Combine that with a schedule that sees them play three matches in the next three weeks and you see why United have a huge advantage.In those three weeks, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all have six fixtures to fulfil, while Aston Villa have five.

United will come third behind Arsenal and Manchester City (the top two in whatever order you fancy), leaving the remaining two Champions League places to be contested by Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea.And on the basis that Unai Emery and his players look a little rattled and off the pace right now, it could well be Villa who miss out. Brentford will keep the top five honest but have United, City and Liverpool in their last five fixtures and will have to settle for a Europa League spot.John CrossThe magical fifth place is a three-way battle between Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brentford.

Chelsea will be pushed closest by Villa, but I predict a last-16 exit in the Champions League for Liam Rosenior and co. which will focus their efforts on the top flight.Unai Emery should be - and no-doubt will be - doing everything he can to bring the Europa League trophy to Villa Park. If they and Chelsea were neck and neck today, I think the west Londoners would get over the line at Villa's expense, but Emery looks set to land another Champions League year at Villa Park.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.