Steven Gerrard faces a crucial run of games at Aston Villa which could determine his future amid a grim warning from a predecessor.
Villa languish 17th in the Premier League after just one win this season under Gerrard, who took charge last November on a contract until 2025.
Gerrard gained a respite when his side fought back against champions Manchester City to gain a gutsy draw last weekend. But with several stars struggling for form, including new captain John McGinn and Brazilian Philippe Coutinho, Gerrard is still vulnerable and under pressure ahead of a trip to basement side Leicester on Saturday. Villa then host Southampton and visit Leeds and Nottingham Forest in a crunch period stretching into next month.
