Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed that he expects Aston Villa to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

The two sides meet at Villa Park on Monday with the hosts currently in the drop zone on goal difference.

"Aston Villa are in a difficult situation," Mancini is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I don't know their situation very well but for me they have good players.

"Maybe they have young players and this is the reason they fight against relegation, but it is my opinion they have good players and probably they don't deserve to stay there."

Champions City hammered Villa 5-0 when they met at the Etihad Stadium in November.