Aston Villa are still in the hunt for a Champions League return on two fronts, despite a dip in January that has dented their top-four chances. But even after winning only three of their last seven league matches and slipping up at Monaco, they sit just four points off fourth and entered the final night of the Champions League group stage on the cusp of automatic qualification for the last 16.
![[Former Dortmund winger and Arsenal academy graduate Malen has been the biggest addition]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/12/94634227-14337641-image-a-2_1738153115600.jpg)
The story of their season has been the back-and-forth battle between strikers Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, who have combined for 22 goals in all competitions but are both as competitive as each other about nailing down a starting spot. Here, our Villa expert TOM COLLOMOSSE answers the five biggest questions facing them as they enter the final five days of the window.
![[21-year-old Spaniard Garcia can play at right back or on the wing]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/12/94634301-14337641-image-a-3_1738153319502.jpg)
Duran (left) and Watkins have been battling it out all season - and a resolution seems near. What business have Aston Villa done so far in January and will they be happy with it?. Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia have arrived for a combined total of about £27million from Borussia Dortmund and Levante respectively.
![[Mings' injury means Villa need reinforcements at centre back, where they are very thin]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/12/94634379-14337641-image-a-4_1738153369051.jpg)
Former Dortmund winger and Arsenal academy graduate Malen has been the biggest addition. 21-year-old Spaniard Garcia can play at right back or on the wing. In terms of outgoings, Jaden Philogene joined Ipswich for £19m, Diego Carlos left for Fenerbahce for £8.4m and Emi Buendia is set for a loan switch to Bayer Leverkusen.
![[Chelsea centre back Axel Disasi is available, 18 months after joining the Blues for £38.5m]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/12/94631651-14337641-image-a-5_1738153392790.jpg)
