Steve Sidwell believes Aston Villa will hold down their top-four spot in the Premier League on merit. "We are probably the in-form team in the Premier League," he told The Times.

"The ability is there to keep it going. We have shown it so far this season. We are in a great position to finish in the top four.

"We couldn't have asked for a better position coming out of Christmas. It all boils down to where you are in May and, if you are not there then, it could be a disappointing season. But we can handle the pressure if we stay in top four.

"As the season goes on, we are going to be a victim of our own success if we carry on going in the Uefa Cup and other competitions. We are going to keep getting games and it is down to the squad to cope with it."