Aston Villa incentive to 'enjoy' Celtic clash laid bare as Alan Hutton maps out Champions League matchday 8 endgame

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Aston Villa will likely "enjoy" their Celtic clash without pressure as the sides gear up for a final matchday showdown.

That is according to Joleon Lescott, who was joined by ex-Rangers defender Alan Hutton in the TNT Sports studio. The Villans face off against Monaco knowing that a victory will all but sealed their spot in the Champions League knockouts. Celtic meanwhile take on Young Boys with three points a near guarantee of finishing in the top 24. The two sides then face off at Villa Park next Wednesday.

Celts sit 21st in the table on nine points - the same as Real Madrid - with Brendan Rodgers' men needing to finish inside at minimukm 24th in order to secure safe passage. And it could come down to the final group phase matchday with Unai Emery's men. Hutton however, feels if results go their way, Villa can go into the Battle of Britain with less pressure.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hutton said: "It is a huge game [against Monaco]. It is unbelievable to think between third and 19th there is only three points. There is so much to play for at this late stage. I think from an Aston Villa point of view to go and get a victory away to Monaco - that would just cement them in the top eight. Yes, they have a big game against Celtic but they can see the end is in sight."

Former Everton defender Lescott added: "I'm sure that is the incentive for all the top eight teams - to really cement their place in the knockout stages. And then they can just enjoy the Celtic occasion more than having the pressure of having to win and get points."

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