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Aston Villa can't be compared to 'top-four side' Leicester, insists Dean Smith, as new West Midlands rivalry with Brendan Rodgers' men beckons

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith regards today’s opponents Leicester as a blueprint for what can be achieved at Villa Park.

The two best Midlands clubs meet in front of England manager Gareth Southgate with Villa able to close the gap on Brendan Rodgers team to seven points and with two games in hand.

It suggests the beginnings of a great rivalry but Smith is cautious in comparing the clubs at this stage despite having exciting talents like Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings in his squad.

Dean Smith has insisted that his Aston Villa side can not yet be compared to Leicester City

Dean Smith has insisted that his Aston Villa side can not yet be compared to Leicester City

England boss Gareth Southgate will be watching the West Midlands sides on Sunday afternoon
Leicester are a little further ahead in their development, sitting 10 points ahead of Aston Villa

Southgate is due to be in the stands to check on them and others including Ross Barkley, Harvey Barnes and James Maddison.