Villa ready to hit new heights

Many laughed off Sir Alex Ferguson's early-season prediction that Aston Villa FC were potential contenders for the English title but, five months on and with Villa unbeaten in ten Premier League games, it is looking increasingly prescient – the Midlands side are just three points off the lead.

Surprise package
"As far as the title race is concerned," Sir Alex said in mid-September, "Aston Villa could be the dark horses. Martin O'Neill is doing a very impressive job and they could surprise everyone." Coming on a day when Villa lost 3-2 to lowly Stoke City FC it appeared somewhat implausible, more likely an attempt for the wily Scotsman to get under the skins of the genuine title contenders, United's fellow members of England's so-called big four. The cynicism was misplaced and, 20 games later, as Villa prepare to take on Portsmouth FC this evening, the Birmingham outfit sit three points off the Premier League summit with Arsenal FC trailing in their wake.

Winning mentality
"When you are three points off the top of the league you have put yourself in a great position, so why not?" said defender Luke Young, when asked if a championship challenge is a serious prospect. "If we can get to March and still be in the same situation, then we'll be thinking it's possible." Indeed, confidence is coursing through a team that began the campaign only cautiously optimistic of improving on last season's sixth-placed finish; a confidence that has allowed Villa to win ugly at times this term and which intensifies as their unbeaten Premier League run is extended ever further. "People are waiting for us to slip up," Young continued. "We have ridden our luck in a few games, where perhaps we looked as if we would only get a point and have managed to pick up all three. Every game we go into, the manager makes it clear we are out there to win all three points."

Heskey signing
The Villa board have also shown their intentions, with chairman Randy Lerner providing the funds to secure England international Emile Heskey for €3.5m from Wigan Athletic FC last week. "He will give us another dimension," said Young. "He is one of those unselfish players that bring people into the game and do the hard work. Even when not scoring, he's invaluable to the team." Heskey is poised to make his Villa debut this evening as O'Neill makes changes in the absence of the suspended Ashley Young. The fleet-footed youngster will be sorely missed having formed a formidable attacking triumvirate with England Under-21 pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and James Milner over the past few months, catching the eye of England manager Fabio Capello, among others.

Laursen loss
The true test, however, could be how Villa cope without the cavalier presence of captain Martin Laursen after the centre-back was ruled out for eight weeks following knee surgery. The former AC Milan man has been key to Villa losing just one of their five matches against the big four to date, including taking four points off Arsenal, the side whose regular UEFA Champions League place appears most at threat. Not that O'Neill, whose team face PFC CSKA Moskva in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 next month, is getting ahead of himself. When one reporter recently asked whether Villa could end a 28-year wait for the title he replied with mock perplexity: "Have you been drinking?" Indeed, while his charges may be only three points adrift of Liverpool FC and United in top spot, and one behind Chelsea FC, he is well aware that they are also just three ahead of Arsenal. The final four months of the season will be a test of staying power – Sir Alex knows a little about that too.