Unai Emery has turned Aston Villa into one of the best teams in England this season but will be desperate for a strong finish to help him repeat the trick next term.
A win over Liverpool on Monday night would be enough to guarantee Villa a top-four finish and a place in the Champions League — something they have not managed since the competition was rebranded in 1992.
Like virtually every club in the Premier League, Villa have to keep a close eye on spending rules to ensure they do not receive punishments in future.