Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: PA)

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery admits his players must set the tempo to inspire a strong Villa Park backing in the club’s crucial match against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Villa come into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to relegation-threatened Wolves, but have the chance to pull clear of sixth-placed Chelsea this midweek.

A victory over the Blues would open up a nine-point gap on Chelsea, while a defeat would reduce the top-five margin to just three points.

Villa have won only two of their last six home games across all competitions. In an effort to boost the atmosphere for the remaining league fixtures at Villa Park, the club’s football department has encouraged initiatives to improve support in the stands.

The 1897 Group will be housed in a section of the lower North Stand to help amplify the noise opposite the Holte End.

Asked about the implementation of a ‘singing section’ of sorts, Emery said: “Firstly, we have to transmit to them our energy and wishes, our attitude, skills, and try to connect with them.

“But that starts...