Lee Hendrie backs Aston Villa to survive

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has backed the club to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Villa, who host Liverpool on Saturday, are currently three points above the drop zone with eight games left to play.

"They have done superbly in the last two games," Hendrie told PA. "Now it is about keeping that momentum running.

"They still have to play the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, where they will need to dig deep. Even if they are just getting draws along the way, if they can keep that unbeaten run going, I do fancy them to stay up."

Hendrie spent 12 years with the Midlands club before a move to Sheffield United in 2007.