Aston Villa's Jack Grealish: I live for the big games
Skipper Jack Grealish admits Villa are relishing the prospect of again tackling the Premier League’s big guns as they prepare for another testing week.
Villa face back-to-back matches away at Manchester United and Chelsea before hosting second-placed Leicester City on Sunday week.
Dean Smith’s men, who snapped a three-match losing streak with Monday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle, have performed admirably without reward against the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool so far this season.
Grealish said: “These are the games you live for - away at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge. Everyone knows how well Leicester are doing and that is another match on TV which we are all looking forward to.
“You look at our games against the top six this season and we have not won one yet, so we will be relishing these games and hopefully we can get something out of them.”
Smith must decide whether to stick with the starting XI which earned victory over Newcastle when Villa visit United on Sunday.
Conor Hourihane, who was recalled to the line-up against the Magpies, rewarded his head coach with a goal and an assist.
The Republic of Ireland international has had to remain patient this season, after Villa bolstered their midfield options with the signings of Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba.
He said: “We were always going to sign a lot of players. The gulf between this league and the Championship is massive.
“Everybody knows the numbers and the money we have spent.
“But I am up for every challenge. You have to rise to it. You are fighting for your shirt.
“These guys come in but you still have to stake a claim yourself.
“I have had many challenges over the course of my career and it was one I was relishing this year.
“Hopefully I might be in the team for the next few games now.”
