MARVELOUS Nakamba’s stay in the English Premier League is under threat as his team Aston Villa continue to drop points in the race to escape relegation.

Today’s game is one of Villa’s remaining seven matches of the season that they have to win if they entertain any hopes of playing in the Premier League next season.

After the Newcastle game, even more difficult tests await Nakamba and his teammates as they will face Wolves, Liverpool and Manchester United, in their next three matches.

Their poor form needs to change quickly if Villa are to beat the drop, which will guarantee Nakamba’s stay in the Premier League next season.

He was used a second half substitute in the two matches against Sheffield United and Chelsea, but many locals would expect Smith to thrust the 26-year-old into the starting line-up in today’s clash which kicks off at 7pm Zimbabwean time.