Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his admiration for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery ahead of their Premier League showdown. The Blues, currently sixth, sit just two points ahead of ninth-placed Villa, making Saturday’s clash a crucial one in the race for European football.

Maresca has acknowledged the impressive work Emery has done at Villa Park, particularly since taking over the club.

“They are, since the new project with Emery, doing fantastic,” Maresca said.

“This season you can see in the Champions League, they finished first eight and are fighting to finish top four also this season. The team is very good. And the manager is one of the best managers.”

With both sides aiming to stay in the hunt for a top-four finish, the match at Villa Park promises to be a competitive encounter.