Bannan backs Villa to avoid scrap

Barry Bannan has vowed to prove wrong those who have tipped Aston Villa for relegation this season.

Villa are in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League ahead of tonight's home clash with fellow strugglers Reading, but midfielder Bannan believes Villa have enough quality to move out of trouble and has been encouraged by their performance in the previous two home games with Manchester United and Arsenal.

With a visit to another struggling side, QPR, to come on Saturday, this could be a crucial period for Villa, and Bannan said: "It hurts when people tip the club to struggle this season. But it's up to us to prove them wrong - and that's what we will do."

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