Barry Bannan: The season starts now for Villa

The claret and blues currently lie in the relegation places after they managed take a point off Arsenal last weekend following back-to-back defeats against the two Manchester clubs.

But with Villa's next three matches against teams in the bottom half of the table – starting with the visit of Brian McDermott's side – Bannan was optimistic about a change of fortune.

"We've just played three massive teams in the league and it's been really tough," said the midfielder.

"I think we acquitted ourselves well but I think our season starts now with the games we've got up and coming.

"We want to be higher up and it is not worked out that way but we are not even half-way through the season.

"There are games coming up we are more than capable of winning so hopefully we can turn it around and start pushing up the table. We all know in the changing room that they are winnable games so we are looking forward to tonight's game.

"I've not seen much of Reading. They are going to be battling for their lives so it is going to be a tough game and we will show them the same respect as Arsenal."

And Villa boss Paul Lambert, who will check on the fitness of captain Ron Vlaar who limped out with a calf injury, also felt the tide will turn in the near future.

He added: "We know that we have to get results but I can't fault the efforts and endeavours of the players. If we continue to perform to the level that we have been achieving, then results will come no question."