West Brom star Jay Rodriguez comments on Aston Villa

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Villa play host to the Baggies on Saturday afternoon in the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez has told his club’s official website that he believes Aston Villa are a good side, but has stated that the Baggies have a plan they are looking to execute on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has impressed as the Baggies’ attacking talisman this season, scoring 16 goals in 31 Championship appearances as Darren Moore’s side sit in fourth place – seven points behind leaders Leeds, but with a game in hand.

The Baggies came from behind twice on Wednesday night to secure a point against Nottingham Forest, with Dwight Gayle since being given a two-match ban for his dive to win a penalty – one which Rodriguez scored in the 89th minute.

With the two sides going head to head at Villa Park on Saturday in a crucial clash concerning promotion from the Championship, Rodriguez stated that Dean Smith’s side are strong but says they have a plan in place to nullify that.

“The mood in camp is good. We’re focused on our plan against Villa,” Rodriguez said. “It’s going to be a difficult game because they’re a good side, but we know our own qualities.

“I think we need to be focused on that and have no other distractions. There’s a bit extra in this game and as players you want to play in the best games. Hopefully this will be a good one for us.

“We want the three points, but we know they won’t be given to us so we really need to be at it. To get three points at this stage of the season is vital. If we play to our strengths we know we can give them a good game.”

A frustrating run of form from Villa has seen them drop seven points behind the top six, sitting in tenth place. They desperately need a big win to get back on track, and beating their local rivals could do just that.

But the Baggies need a win too to close the gap on the three teams above them, with third-placed Sheffield United three points above Moore’s side. The two sides played out an enthralling 2-2 draw last time out in December.