Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar admits they're not safe from the drop.

The Dutchman is preparing to face Manchester United today.

Vlaar told Villa's website: "We've experienced that for the last two years.

"I knew it was a close call before that too.

"I want to avoid that, we all want to avoid that. It gives a lot of stress and pressure. If I look at our squad and the qualities we have, we shouldn't be in this position.

"I've said it before - and we're still in it. So we can speak a lot but in reality we have to show it on the pitch."