A clean sheet by U.S. keeper Brad Friedel and a goal by John Carew gave Aston Villa a 1-0 win over Hull today, and a guaranteed spot in next season’s Europa League.

Friedel’s huge 82nd-minute diving save off a Nick Barmby deflection helped the Villains snap a 12-game unbeaten streak. They can’t catch Arsenal for fourth in the Premier League and the final Champions League spot, but they’re now in fifth and assured of a place in the updated UEFA Cup.

Do you think more fixtures on Villa’s schedule just gives Brad Guzan more chances to see the field?