O'Neill expects tough fight

O'Neill: Major rivals in race for Europe

Related links

Teams

• Aston Villa

Also see

• Villa fixtures
• Villa stats
• Villa forum

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill expects a tougher fight for the European places during the next Premier League campaign.

Villa prepare to close out the current campaign having managed to secure European qualification for the third season in a row as well as reaching the Carling Cup final and FA Cup semi-final.

But O'Neill is well aware that expectations will rise in the summer and fans will be looking for progress towards the all-important Champions League places.

However, with big-spending Manchester City, along with improving Tottenham and Everton and a resurgent Liverpool all likely to be in the mix, he realises that a top-four finish will be tough.

"In terms of expectation, it is getting higher and higher," the former Celtic manager said.

Rivals

"But you expect the same from the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Everton.

"Liverpool, by their own standard, have had a tough old time this season but you would expect them to regroup and fight back.

"You would never expect them, having only lost two games the previous season, to be in double figures in losses.

"It has been a strange old season in many aspects but from our viewpoint it has been rewarding."

O'Neill added: "The way the Carling Cup final panned out (Villa lost 2-1 against Manchester United) was probably my major disappointment of the season.

"The ironic part of this game is that if you achieve a bit of success, you feel you have to move forward at a great pace.

Stronger

"Manchester City, we know, are going to get stronger as they have the power to do so.

"Tottenham, by qualifying for the Champions League, will have to compete in that competition to get as strong as possible.

"Tottenham have proved themselves after the disappointment of the Portsmouth defeat in the FA Cup semi-final.

"They could have been forgiven for feeling sorry for themselves but they roared back with two great wins against Chelsea and Arsenal.

"That propelled them forward and gave them the momentum. They have been able to carry that momentum through to make a late charge in the league.

"Everton, looking on, obviously feel they want to be in the mix. David Moyes himself feels when everyone is fit and available they have a squad as good as anyone.

"It will be tough to compete but that is the name of the game."