Petrov lauds Villa’s big game hunters

IF, as is generally assumed, at least two of the Premier League’s established big beasts are endangered species this season, there is little doubt as to who is clutching the rifle in the long grass.

Aston Villa, the top flight’s new hunter killers, have the scent of blood in their nostrils and with each passing week, the chances of them landing a fatal shot on Liverpool or Arsenal continue to grow.

Even the memories of last season’s Springtime capitulation, which saw Villa plummet out of contention after an awful run of form, should not be playing on the minds of the midlanders this Christmas.