Aston Villa boss Dean Smith: 'Wolves have deserved more this season'

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has heaped praise on Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead of Saturday's West Midlands derby.

While Villa currently sit one point ahead of their rivals in the Premier League standings, Wolves have suffered for missing an array of chances in the final third.

Smith has alluded to their lack of ruthlessness in his pre-match press conference, insisting that his side will have to perform to their best to nullify what he describes as a well-rounded team.

Speaking to reporters, Smith said: "I think if you look at the start of the season, their performances didn't get the points they deserved. They have good players, a good coach and a really good system in the way they play.

"They are very well organised, and Raul Jimenez has got his first goal which will give him a lift. We're coming up against a team on the back of two wins and will be full of confidence."

Villa have avoided defeat in their last four fixtures with Wolves in all competitions.