MATCHDAY: Man United chasing Champions League spot at Villa
A look at what’s happening around European soccer on Thursday:
ENGLAND
Manchester United goes for a fourth straight win to boost its chances of qualifying for the Champions League when it travels to relegation-threatened Aston Villa. A victory would move United to within a point of fourth-place Leicester and six points clear of sixth-place Wolverhampton. Fifth place would be enough to qualify for the Champions League if second-place Manchester City fails in its bid to overturn a two-year European ban. Tottenham, in 10th place, visits Bournemouth in search of a win to improve its hopes of Europa League qualification, and Everton hosts Southampton.
SPAIN
Sevilla can move closer to securing a Champions League berth with a win at Athletic Bilbao. Sevilla currently holds the fourth and final qualification spot and trails third-place Atlético Madrid by three points. It is four points ahead of fifth-place Villarreal. Ninth-place Athletic remains in contention for a Europa League spot. In the fight against relegation, 18th-place Mallorca hosts midtable Levante, while 19th-place Leganés visits 16th-place Eibar.
ITALY
Inter Milan needs a victory at Hellas Verona to reclaim third place from Atalanta, which won its ninth straight Wednesday by beating Sampdoria. Inter trails Atalanta by two points. Also, last-place Spal hosts Udinese, which is only five points above the drop zone.