Former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Michael Kightly joined Emma Saunders on BBC's Football Daily Podcast and discussed Aston Villa's chances of staying alive in the Premier League this season.

It's pretty safe to say that the newly-promoted side are struggling to cope with the intensity of the English top-flight as they are sitting in 17th as things stand. Indeed, Dean Smith's side have lost their last three games in the league and the situation is looking rather grim for the Midlands giants at this stage of the season, with Radio Solent Sports Editor Adam Blackmore hinting that he thought they were lucky to lose only 2-0 to Southampton this weekend.

However, Kightly firmly believes they have what it takes to stay afloat and secure another season in the Premier League. He stated as much when speaking on the Football Daily Podcast (23/02/2020), saying: "I think Villa, they are good enough to stay in the league. But [Dean Smith] he's looking at that and thinking if we perform like that, we're gone. So I think he wants a quick response from them."

Needless to say, this might be an uphill battle for Smith and Villa but, as Kightly has reiterated, there is quality in that squad and there is still a chance they stay up come the very end of the season. After all, they've reached the Carabao Cup final this season and boast the likes of Jack Grealish - who has been linked with a major money to Manchester United - and the currently-injured John McGinn (who was recently bigged up by Noel Whelan) in their ranks, so it's not as if there's a lack of quality on offer.

Villa fans, do you agree with Kightly's verdict or are you less optimistic when it comes to this season? Let us know down in the comments below!