SMITH: WE AIM FOR TOP FOUR

Burnley Aston Villa

Kick-off 6pm

DEAN SMITH believes Aston Villa are on course for a “special” season.

But the Villa boss claims the race to gatecrash the top four will only be decided on the final day.

Pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed several clubs, such as Villa, Everton and West Ham, have a “oncein-a-generation” chance this season to reach the Champions League.

Last season Leicester almost did it, but lost to Manchester United on the final day to end up fifth behind Chelsea and United.

Smith takes his side to Burnley tonight after 14 points from Villa’s last eight games.

He said: “It could be a special season, but we are not even at the halfway point ourselves yet. There is an awful long way to go.

“You only have to look at last season. Leicester were in the top four and played Manchester United at home and Chelsea were fighting for the position.

“So we are not looking that far ahead. We are just looking to the next game and trying to get some points on the board.” But

Smith (above, with Pep Guardiola during last week’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City) knows Villa’s ambitious co-owner Nassef Sawiris has big dreams after spending £150million on new players last season and a further £80m in the last window.

“Our owners came out at the start of the season about what they are looking to build towards,” added Smith. “It takes time, but, hopefully, we can continue building what we believe can help us reach the heights of a top-four club.”

Villa drew 0-0 with Burnley last month, but won 2-1 against Sean Dyche’s side last season and hope for a repeat win.

Smith said: “I’ve always enjoyed going head-tohead with Sean because I know it is going to be a tough game.”

Skipper Jack Grealish is fit after coming off during the win over Newcastle with a tight hamstring.

Villa are also close to signing Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson (above). BURNLEY: Pope, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters, Brady, Westwood, Cork, Mcneil, Barnes, Wood

ASTON VILLA: Martinez, Cash, Mings, Konsa, Targett, Mcginn, Luiz, Traore, Barkley, Grealish, Watkins

Paul Tierney