Villa stopper Senderos up for QPR battle

Defender Philippe Senderos today warned Aston Villa to treat Queens Park Rangers like world-beaters.

The centre-half, who is battling to be fit for tonight's televised clash, believes Harry Redknapp's side will present a big hurdle.

Villa have taken on Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Everton – last season's top five – in consecutive matches.

Now his team face newly-promoted Rangers, who are currently bottom of the Premier League.

But Senderos said: "We've had a tough run of fixtures. QPR will be every bit as tough as any of the top teams we've faced. We know they are desperate to win some points.

"We all saw last Sunday against Liverpool that QPR have lots of quality in their team. But we have to remember what we did well at the start of the season and maintain the belief."

Villa conceded only one goal in the three games that Senderos played with skipper Ron Vlaar, who came back from a calf problem against Everton at the weekend.

Senderos added: "We hit it off immediately – outside football we have the same mentality and on the pitch we are very similar too. These things sometimes just click."