BIRMINGHAM — When you say it out loud it sounds a bit wild but when you think about it, it really isn’t: Aston Villa should be Premier League title contenders next season. Even the most ardent Villa supporter may raise an eyebrow at that statement, but why?

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Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa will battle to secure the final two spots in Europe’s premier cup competition, with Arsenal and Liverpool having all but secured their places.