Gary Lineker Tips Aston Villa for Top Four as Premier League Race Heats Up

Former FC Barcelona striker Gary Lineker has shared a bold prediction about the ongoing Premier League season, suggesting that at least two traditional heavyweights could miss out on a top-four finish.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker backed Aston Villa to secure a Champions League spot alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. According to him, only one of Manchester United, Chelsea, or Liverpool is likely to complete the top four, leaving the other two outside Europe’s elite competition places.

Lineker’s prediction comes amid growing tension in the title race and qualification battle, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot reportedly concerned about his team’s chances of securing Champions League football next season. As things stand, Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Manchester United occupy the league’s top four positions, though the margins remain tight.

Opinion: A Changing Power Balance in English Football

Lineker’s comments highlight a bigger story unfolding this season — the shifting balance of power in English football. Aston Villa’s rise suggests that the gap between traditional giants and emerging contenders is narrowing. If Villa do secure a top-four finish, it would represent one of the most refreshing narratives in recent Premier League history, proving that smart recruitment and tactical stability can rival bigger budgets.

At the same time, the possibility of two historic clubs missing out raises questions about consistency and long-term planning. For teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, expectations are always sky-high, but modern football rarely rewards reputation alone. Fans are witnessing a league where form, strategy, and squad depth matter more than past glory.

Ultimately, Lineker’s prediction may spark debate, but it reflects the unpredictable nature of this season’s race — one where every dropped point could redefine the hierarchy before the final whistle of the campaign.