Unai Emery shares how he feels about having to play Liverpool ahead of the Europa League final

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Liverpool face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday in a crucial match between fourth and fifth place.Villa missed the chance to leapfrog Liverpool into fourth on Sunday after drawing away from home against Burnley.With the teams level on 59 points and currently joining each other in next season’s Champions League, Friday’s match gives both the chance to secure their place in the top five. Give us your predictions for Liverpool’s crucial trip to Villa Park this Friday Will the Reds finally secure Champions League qualification?

And with Friday night being their final home game of the season – and the last chance for the fans to give their team a send-off – manager Unai Emery says he is really looking forward to facing the Reds.Emery excited for Liverpool challengeFor Liverpool, there is a feeling that Villa having such a big game right around the corner could be beneficial for them on Friday. Perhaps Emery will prioritise the final and send out a weakened team.However, the Spaniard may also choose to keep his best players in rhythm for the clash with Freiburg, and riding on a raucous Villa Park atmosphere, that may make things tough for Arne Slot’s team.Emery is certainly looking forward to the meeting anyway, admitting that he can’t wait to see the fans at Villa Park.“Enjoy the moment with our supporters.

I am so motivated, so excited for the match on Friday against Liverpool,” he told VillaTV after Sunday’s draw with Burnley.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool reportedly have ‘doubts’ about Xabi Alonso taking over at Anfield, but what are they?“We are going to test against them as well in Villa Park, which team is – in this moment – better than the other in the table.“We have the same points. Of course, it’s Liverpool and it’s going to be very difficult, and it’s a huge challenge, and then prepare the final against Freiburg in 10 days.”“Every supporter of Aston Villa and follower of Aston Villa should be so proud of everything we are doing,” Emery added.