Aston Villa saw off Liverpool’s youngest ever starting eleven to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time in seven seasons. Though it is a wonderful achievement for Dean Smith, who is on the cusp of making his second trip to Wembley Stadium with his boyhood club, after winning the Championship Playoff final last season. He must be cautious of repeating rivals Birmingham City’s trick of winning the League Cup and getting relegated in the same season.
Heading into their match with Arsenal, Birmingham City were 15th in the Premier League table, two places above where Villa currently find themselves. Though after defeating the Gunner’s 2-1 they slipped down the table to eventually finish the season in 18th, relegated after the final day. The following year they had the arduous task of competing in the Europa League while in the Championship, not only that but the Blues have not returned to the top-flight since.
With all the hard work that has gone into ensuring Aston Villa’s return to the Premier League, it is absolutely essential they do not risk losing their place in the top-flight in search of silverware. It took three attempts to return previously, and there is a risk they could follow Birmingham City’s path, and many others before them, in stagnating in the second division.
While winning a first trophy since their 1995/96 FA Cup success would go down delightfully with fans, the number one priority should be survival. Their two-legged tie with second-placed Leicester City falls either side of some crunch games which will require the Villan’s full focus. The first leg is just five days before Manchester City come to visit Villa Park. While the second tie is set to be between a visit from bottom side Watford in what will likely be a relegation-threatened six-pointer, with a trip to struggling Bournemouth four days later.
Smith must balance his squad carefully for the semi-finals to ensure Villa stay afloat in the Premier League, while also giving the high-flying Foxes a run for their money. It will be a tricky task, but he is capable of making a Wembley return, however, it must not cost the club their top-flight status.
