Former Villa star Paul Merson has warned his old club that if they think the next five games will be tough they haven’t seen anything yet.

A trip to Manchester United today precedes Tuesday’s game at Sunderland, the visit of Stoke, Arsenal away and Liverpool at home before the turn of the year.

‘Merse’ believes an eight-point return is the best they can hope for.

Then comes three cup games against Blackburn, the FA Cup third round tie preceded by a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final sandwiched around league games against Wigan and West Ham.

Before the claret and blues can draw breath, another cluster of four games to finish January and plough into February will really test their mettle.

And Merson believes that if Villa are still in a commanding position come the visit of Burnley on February 21, then the streets ahead will be paved with gold.

He said: “If Villa are anywhere near the top four at that point, then they will be playing Champions League football next year.

“It’s not just these five games now, it will get harder and harder. After the last of the three cup games against Blackburn, it’s Arsenal again at Villa Park, then Fulham and Tottenham away, followed by Manchester United at home.

“They will have to win most of their home games, with some of the trips they have got. It’s the slinkiest set of fixtures I have ever seen.”

Villa went to Old Trafford today unbeaten in four Premier League games but some results, such as the 1-1 draw at Burnley last month, has indicated they can wobble from time to time.

Merson warns consistency will be the key for the tasks ahead.

He said: “Villa are hot and cold, I watched them at Burnley and they were shocking. They are like a packet of Revels at the minute, you never know what you are going to get next.”

Villa presented a real threat to the established ‘top four’ last season, only to badly fade away in the second-half of the campaign.

In the end, the Champions League spots went to the expected line up of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Few would bet against champions United and closest challengers Chelsea occupying the top two again, but Arsenal have already lost four games and Liverpool five. And the two play each other at Anfield tomorrow afternoon.

Merson believes it could open the door to the chasing pack.

He said: “Take away the top two, Chelsea and Manchester United, who will definitely finish first and second – and all the others have a chance of getting a Champions League place for me.

“Villa are in there with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham – those five clubs will challenge for the two Champions League places.

“It’s not about who is the bigger club, it’s about who gets the results to put themselves up there.”

MERSON’S PREDICTIONS FOR THE FIVE GAMES AHEAD: -

Manchester United (A), tonight.

He said: “It’s not a bad time to be playing Manchester United and I fancy Villa to get a draw. Without their back four, United are going to struggle against this front lot.”

MERSON’S PREDICTION: Villa 1 Manchester United

Sunderland (A), Tuesday night.

He said: “For me, Sunderland at their place is a harder game than at United, believe it or not. It will be a score draw, Villa don’t do goalless draws. “

MERSON’S PREDICTION: Sunderland 1 Villa 1

Stoke (H), next Saturday.

He said: “Even against a team like Stoke, a player like John Carew will score if the ball is in the air, because he is too good with his head. But Ricardo Fuller, if he plays, will be a handful for Villa.”

MERSON’S PREDICTION: Villa 3 Stoke 1

Arsenal (A), December 27.

He said: “I think revenge will be the motive after the game at the Emirates last season and I can’t see past a win for Arsenal.”

MERSON’S PREDICTION: Arsenal 3 Villa 1

Liverpool (H), December 29.

He said: “If Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are fit for the game, Liverpool can beat anybody, because they are two world class players.

“But if I had to go for anyone, I would go for Villa, with how strong they are at home.”

MERSON’S PREDICTION: Villa 2 Liverpool 1