Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as his side go in search of the win at West Ham that would catapult them into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

Villa could move two points clear of Manchester City, who currently occupy fourth, and just a point behind Arsenal if they can beat the struggling Hammers.

The battle to break into the top four looks like being fiercer than ever this season and O'Neill thinks that can only be good for the Premier League as a whole.

From City down, six teams are separated by just three points and O'Neill said: "I am not surprised how tight it is and it will be good for the league if it remains tight.

As for Villa's own prospects, O'Neill is staying calm and he added: "There is a chance to go fourth in the league and the consequence of it is that is fine. I don't adhere to this thought that we might falter in any aspect."