Former Aston Villa star Benito Carbone is shocked by their struggles this season.

Carbone is looking forward to the Capital One Cup semifinal between Villa and another of his former clubs, Bradford City.

"It is a big game for Aston Villa because they need to get to the final," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"They are close to the Premier League relegation zone so if they go out of the cup to Bradford it is not good for the club.

"The supporters deserve this because of the league position.

"Every year I say Aston Villa should be aiming for fifth position, they should never be by the relegation zone, no chance.

"I will be watching the game and I think they will win.

"There are too many leagues between Aston Villa and Bradford City and they have better quality players. Bradford City have exceeded expectations. Their manager will be telling them to go and play like it is their World Cup final.

"He will say play with your heart and play with your legs and maybe you can win.

"Bradford City have nothing to lose, but I think Villa will win the match."