Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has warned his side that a push for European football is going to be difficult when they have to play "big teams" like Newcastle United.
Only league leaders Arsenal have recorded more points in the Premier League than Villa since Emery took charge back in October last year. A 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon has seen them climb up into sixth place, just six points behind Tottenham in fifth.
Emery has overseen a revival at Villa Park having taken over when the club were languishing in 15th. Rather than worrying about a potential relegation battle, the former Arsenal manager is now targeting a potential return to European football next season.
ALSO READ: Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon told to put substitution anger 'behind him'
However, Emery is aware at how big a challenge that will be for his side as he kept one eye on Newcastle's upcoming trip to the Midlands.
“Those three points [against Nottingham Forest] can help us to be in our target of the top 10," Emery told BBC's Football Daily. "Then, to add the option to be a candidate to play for Europe, it is going to be very difficult because we are playing with big teams like next week against Newcastle.
“If we want to get it [Europe] we have to improve more than we are doing. We are playing against Newcastle at home and it is going to be a tough match, maybe more difficult than today [against Nottingham Forest].
“We need to win if we want to stay and to keep a European position.”
READ NEXT
Saint-Maximin's message, Howe's full-time gesture and Toney left panicked in Newcastle win
Newcastle's half-time masterstroke, £83m dream team unleashed and Ivan Toney taunt - 5 things
Brentford 1-2 Newcastle United player ratings: Isak, Pope and Trippier impress in huge win
Brentford 1-2 Newcastle United: Magpies show their Champions League mettle with brilliant recovery
Anthony Gordon situation explained by Eddie Howe after angry reaction to being subbed
