Former Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate feels they have the firepower to get themselves out of trouble.

The ex-defender knows Villa are up against it given their fragile backline but he believes they have enough goals in the team to mount a challenge.

"I think the great thing they have got at Villa is that people can score goals," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"That always gives you hope. (Christian) Benteke and (Andreas) Weimann look like they have got goals in them and we know Benty (Darren Bent) has, too.

"That gives you a chance in games.

"If they can stem their plight at the other end where they are a bit younger and inexperienced then that will be a key to them surviving."