- Aston Villa travel to Burnley on Sunday for a 14:00 kick-off UK time
- Anthony Taylor has been appointed referee for the match
- Villa could secure Champions League qualification with a win
Aston Villa travel to Turf Moor this Sunday for a pivotal Premier League clash against Burnley. With a historic Champions League qualification within reach, Unai Emery’s side could secure their spot in Europe’s elite competition if they claim all three points and Bournemouth drop points against Fulham.
Unai Emery’s men have shown remarkable resilience throughout this grueling campaign, balancing domestic ambitions with European commitments. Their ability to grind out results has been the catalyst for their current league position, leaving them on the cusp of another historic achievement for the club.
After the success of turning around their one-goal deficit to Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday, by winning 4-0, the Villans must turn their attention back to the league.
It was a joyous night that will long live in the memory of Villa supporters, and provides them with momentum heading into the match on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Burnley haven’t won in their last ten matches, and have lost their last five in a row. Interim manager Michael Jackson’s side will be playing for pride in the hopes of trying to end the season on a positive note, having been relegated last weekend.
In the reverse fixture, Villa were victorious. Donyell Malen netted a double before Lesley Ugochukwu scored from a corner late on. It was their fourth win in a row, after a disastrous start to the campaign, where they failed to win any of their first five.
Let’s take a look at the match officials for Burnley vs Aston Villa.
Who is the referee for Burnley vs Aston Villa?
Anthony Taylor has been appointed referee for the game. He has officiated three times for Villa in the Premier League this season, which have each been a win, a draw, and a defeat.
The first was in their 3-2 victory over West Ham in December, when Morgan Rogers scored a double to mark their ninth consecutive win in all competitions at the time.
He then refereed Villa’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in February, before more recently leading the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in March.
Anthony Taylor Record against Burnley
| Matches | Burnley wins | Draws | Burnley defeats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 7 | 6 | 12 |
Anthony Taylor record against Aston Villa
| Matches | Villa wins | Draws | Villa defeats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 15 | 7 | 14 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Taylor’s assistants will be Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, with Leigh Doughty as fourth official.
At Stockley Park, Jarred Gillett will be on VAR duty, alongside Adrian Holmes as his assistant.
ReadAstonVilla Verdict
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Unai Emery’s side as they arrive at Turf Moor. Riding the wave of their dominant 4-0 European semi-final comeback, Aston Villa have the wind in their sails and a clear objective: Champions League qualification.
While Burnley are playing only for pride following their relegation, the Villans know they cannot afford a lapse in concentration.
With Anthony Taylor a referee who has overseen both the highs and lows of Villa’s season—taking the whistle, the stage is set for a high-intensity encounter.
If Villa can replicate the clinical form that saw them brush aside Nottingham Forest and overcome Burnley in their previous meeting, Sunday afternoon could mark the beginning of a new, elite chapter in the club’s storied history. All eyes will be on Turf Moor at 14:00 to see if Villa can finally cross the finish line.
