---
title: "Charlie Nicholas believes Villa could make Europe – is this realistic?"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2019/08/16/charlie-nicholas-believes-villa-could-make-europe-is-this-realistic/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Murray"
section: "Features & Analysis"
published: "2019-08-16T09:53:12Z"
modified: "2019-08-16T09:53:12Z"
---

# Charlie Nicholas believes Villa could make Europe – is this realistic?

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has revealed he thinks Aston Villa could push for Europe this season.

In his column for [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12090/11785788/charlie-nicholas-premier-league-predictions), Nicholas revealed that he is very impressed with the midfield duo of John McGinn and Jack Grealish, and that he feels that if Dean Smith can get them playing well, they could push on for Europe.

The former Arsenal and Celtic man said:

> A lot of people got excited about Aston Villa at Tottenham, hanging on throughout. Are they going to be this team? I don’t think that’s the way they should play. Jack Grealish is a huge talent and I am a massive fan, but Villa need to play him higher – he is the Duracell battery.
>
> I like what Dean Smith has done – Villa are not threatened by relegation. You can play Grealish and John McGinn in front of a holding midfielder, and if you do that they can make the top eight and threaten for Europe. If Smith gets this right, it could be that good.

* * *

### Read ASton Villa’s verdict

Nicholas’ comments seem to align with what Dean Smith reportedly believes they can do.

“Doing a Wolves” is now reportedly the term, with Villa’s West Midlands rivals showing that is is possible to go up and be competitive in the top half.

It is realistic then, looking at the past, but Villa must do it on the pitch.

McGinn and Grealish will be vital towards any campaign, of course, but they will need to kick on, starting with the game with Bournemouth.