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Dean Smith reveals where he thought Aston Villa would finish this season

Dean Smith reveals where he thought Aston Villa would finish this season, when talking prior to Thursday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United.

Time is running out for the West Midlands outfit in their bid to staying up, they are four points from safety and face an Ole Gunnar Solskjær side who have won four and drawn one of their last five matches.

As well as the Red Devils, the Villans are also set to face Crystal Palace, Arsenal and West Ham in their remaining league fixtures.

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Dean Smith has made a remarkable admission to the media, stating not only that Aston Villa have not been fit enough for the majority of the season, but that he didn’t expect a relegation battle either.

He is at risk of losing his job, which was on the line after their 4-0 defeat against Leicester back in March before the coronavirus pandemic. halted the season until June. In that time, Ron Smith, Dean’s father, sadly died on the 27th of May after contracting that virus.

Smith admitted he had expected Villa to perform better this season but believes that only now have they reached the required level of fitness to compete in the top flight.

He said: “The fitness levels have been a big one. I felt pre-lockdown we weren’t as fit as we could have been, or should have been.

“But a lot of that was down to the fact Douglas Luiz came in [shortly before the season started], Marvelous Nakamba took a while, Matt Targett took a while. We had a lot of changes during the summer and to get them up to speed has taken time.

“I thought we would have a little bit more [than fighting relegation] if I’m honest. I didn’t think we would be a top six team. I knew it would be tough.

“We’ve also experienced some big injuries during the season as well that have hampered us. To lose (goalkeeper) Tom Heaton and (centre-forward) Wesley on New Year’s Day was a massive blow.

“To lose Tyrone Mings against Leicester, to lose John McGinn against Southampton. We lost some of our big players and didn’t handle it well enough at the time.”

Villa haven’t beaten Manchester United at home in 25 years, plenty of eyes will be on captain Jack Grealish, one of United’s transfer targets, who is expected to play despite having trouble with his calf.

Back in June, Dean Smith demanded protection Grealish, who has an unwanted record as the Premier League’s most fouled player.

The boss said: “I think Jack’s had a marker on top of his head all season.

“He’s been fouled almost 50 times more than anyone else which is a remarkable stat. But I think the most surprising stat is that there has probably only been five bookings for fouls on him.

“He’s got bruises all over his shins and thighs. Officials need to protect him for sure. It’s frustrating.

“They certainly tried to nullify our most creative and influential player. You do definitely lose a bit of home advantage with regards to supporters influencing referees.

“Away from home it’s not too bad but in a home game when the terraces and stands are empty the reaction from your home supporters is obviously missing.”

Ahead of tonight’s game against United, pundit Charlie Nicholas has given his prediction, saying: “I have said that the one team who have not faltered has been Man Utd. They should have won at Tottenham but their restart has been full of pace, power, great finishing – Anthony Martial now has 15 in the Premier League.

“Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood are scoring again too. The movement is exciting up top, but we know they can be cold too, Martial in particular. Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have worked a treat, and so it is going well. Momentum can carry you along nicely, and they have earned that with their performances recently.

“Aston Villa are due a break I think. They played well against Liverpool and should have gone ahead on a couple of occasions but did not take their chances, and could not make the most of their counter-attacks. They rely on Jack Grealish, by far their most talented player. John McGinn does not seem to be able to retain the ball, nor is he getting hold of the ball.

“I do think they are due something, and it might be this one where they get something back from it. I do not know how I am coming up with two goals for Aston Villa, but there is something in my head saying that the relegation scrap will go right down to the wire. If they go and win at West Ham later on and they stay up they will take it all day long, but I have a feeling they may get something from this one.” SCORE PREDICTION: Aston Villa 2-2 Man Utd

Fans on social media site Twitter gave their thoughts when Dean Smith reveals where he thought Villa would finish this season…

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