Dean Smith is fighting for his future as head coach of Aston Villa, with a potentially crucial game against Chelsea this weekend.

Smith's position has been plunged into doubt after a run of four league defeats in a row, including the 4-0 humiliation at Leicester on Monday night.

Villa are second from bottom and two points adrift of safety, with Smith now under growing pressure to mount a revival with ten games left in the season.

Champions League chasers Chelsea face Villa on Saturday evening and it is understood that a heavy defeat at Villa Park will raise serious doubts over whether Smith continues in the post.

Though Smith guided Villa to the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City earlier this month, recent defeats to Bournemouth, Southampton and Leicester in the league have increased scrutiny on the 48 year old.

Villa conceded four goals at Leicester, taking the amount conceded to 56 in the league this season which is the worst defensive record in the division.

There is also believed to be growing pressure on Villa's sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch, who played a huge role in the club's recruitment in the summer.

Villa spent £127 million before the start of the season, bringing in a number of new players as part of a necessary rebuild for the squad.