Saturday briefing: Aston Villa seal Champions League place as Spygate row intensifies | OneFootball

Aston Villa guaranteed next season’s Champions League by beating Liverpool 4-2, a timely lift before their Europa League final. According to ExpressAndStar.com, the result also leaves Liverpool’s place in the competition still in doubt.

Ollie Watkins struck twice, a haul that will surely cement his place in England’s World Cup squad, with Morgan Rogers and John McGinn also scoring. Virgil van Dijk headed both Liverpool goals, and Bournemouth and Brentford can still overtake the Reds.

Unai Emery’s side now turn to Istanbul on Wednesday against Freiburg, with domestic targets met and a first continental trophy in 44 years in their sights.

Middlesbrough want Southampton removed from the Championship play-off final after the EFL charged the Saints with observing a Boro training session. Boro said they were denied the chance to join the independent commission hearing and argued only a sporting sanction that bars Southampton would be appropriate.

Michael Carrick says clarity on his future will come pretty soon as the Manchester United head coach nears an agreement to stay. The 44-year-old has exceeded expectations since replacing Ruben Amorim, taking United to third and securing Champions League qualification. A two-year deal, with an option for another season, is reportedly close and could be concluded before Sunday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.

Pep Guardiola said he has had f****** fun at Manchester City and dismissed talk of a Wembley swansong, noting he has a year left on his deal. City chase the FA Cup, while Chelsea seek a first triumph since 2018.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com