Aston Villa: 17th, P33 W8 D10 L15, 34pts
Remaining fixtures: Man Utd (a) Sunderland (h) Norwich (a) Chelsea (h) Wigan (a)
Villa were almost nailed on certainties for the drop around Christmas having suffered a succession of crushing defeats. 8-0, 4-0, 3-0 isn’t the type of form that suggests that this young squad is suited to the Premier League but since then Paul Lambert’s side have found the momentum that could keep them afloat.
With just one defeat and four victories coming from their previous five games, there’s a feeling that Lambert’s plan has finally clicked and the team have steadied their defensive woes enough to ensure that they’ll survive.
The forward trio of Christian Benteke, Andreas Weimann and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been firing on all cylinders this season and their goals have been crucial. American ‘keeper Brad Guzan has also added an extra protective layer to a fragile back line with a string of fine performances of his own.
Villa have a tough run in, facing two of the league’s big guns and three relegation rivals. It is important that they win the right games, though, for instance, it would be pointless to beat Manchester United only to lose to Sunderland the following week. If they can focus on beating the teams around them then they will have more than enough to salvage their season.