Micah Richards believes Aston Villa could take advantage of Newcastle United's injury crisis to pip them to a top-four finish this season.

Unai Emery's side have enjoyed an excellent campaign so far as they sit just a point off fourth placed Tottenham after 12 games. They are also on a 13 match winning streak at Villa Park in the league.

Newcastle meanwhile have endured a tricky run, having dropped points away at Wolves and lost 2-0 at struggling Bournemouth in their last two matches. And former Villa defender Richards believes the Villans could take advantage of the Magpie's struggles with several key players also out injured.

"I cannot believe what Unai Emery is doing at Aston Villa," he told Sky Sports. "It's sensational.

"They have some good players but to sustain this for as long as he has with the football that they have played.

"They have a really good system and have players who have been around the club a long time. The likes of John McGinn, he's flourishing under a new manager. They just manage to keep going and going."

When asked about the top four race, he added: "It all depends on injuries. Newcastle were absolutely firing and they've got a few injuries and they don't look the same team.

"Being in a lot of competitions was always going to hinder Newcastle this season. Maybe Aston Villa are the team to break in."