Paul Lambert: I fear the sack from Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert today admitted he fears for his job as the club enter a vital stage of the season.

The claret and blues host Arsenal tonight five points above the Premier League drop zone after the weekend's results.

They go to Liverpool at the weekend before a derby with Albion with just six points currently separating Hull in 10th and bottom club Crystal Palace.

Lambert has come under pressure from fans after a series of poor performances and results in the last month. And he admitted he is constantly concerned about getting the boot from owner Randy Lerner.

"I never stop worrying and I'm not immune (from being sacked)," said Lambert. "The relationship between me and Randy is what it is. You are never immune from anything. I would never view it that way but you just keep going and don't lose focus on what you are trying to do. I will never waver from that."

Villa have been jeered off in their last three home games – including being dumped out of the FA Cup by League One Sheffield United. But they beat Arsenal 3-1 on the opening day of the season and Lambert is eyeing a repeat result tonight to ease any home pressure.

He said: "We know we can hurt them. If we click and we're on it we can certainly create things. It's an opportunity for the lads.

"The good thing is, in the back of their minds they've done it once, they know how hard they worked to do it then and they've got to try to do it again."

Skipper Ron Vlaar could return from a calf injury while Lambert is backing Christian Benteke to regain his form.

The striker hasn't scored in 12 games but, after netting a brace against the Gunners in August, Lambert believes Benteke could finally end his drought tonight.

He said: "I know people are going on about his goalscoring, but that will come. He's just having a spell where maybe last year the two headers against Sheffield United would have gone in. At least the lad's in there to try and score.

"I think he needs a goal, but you're hoping that for this match – big team and big players he's up against – he'll raise his game."