Aston Villa have been backed to finish in the top-six by Steve McClaren ahead of their clash with his QPR side tomorrow.  

Dean Smith has transformed the fortune of Villa since arriving at the club in October, tasting defeat on just three occasions in that time.

Two of those defeats came against Norwich and Leeds, with Villa heading into the New Year looking to break back into the play-off positions.

Speaking to QPR’s official media ahead of tomorrow, McClaren was full of praise for Villa, backing Smith’s men for the play-offs: “Villa will be in the top six come the end of the season without doubt.

“This is a great game for us to kick off the New Year but we know it is going to be a very, very tough one.” 

Since defeat to Leeds, Villa have four points from fixtures against Swansea and Preston North End, but they face another stern test against a QPR side back on the rise and themselves eyeing the play-offs.

McClaren’s side have gone four unbeaten in the Championship, keeping three clean sheets on the bounce to send a message of intent to their Championship rivals.

Coincidently, the R’s are the only other side to have defeated Smith’s Villa this season.

The Verdict  

This is a big claim from McClaren heading into 2019, as the play-off race is fierce.

Of course, Villa have a great squad on paper and they look like serious contenders.

If Smith can continue to help his side improve, there’s no reason why McClaren’s prediction won’t be correct.

Thoughts? Let us know!