Villa above Newcastle

Aston Villa have given their English Premier League survival hopes a major boost.

Villa drilled Sunderland 6-1 at Villa Park on Monday night.

Christian Benteke netted a hat-trick for the home side.

Villa are now 16th in the league standings.

They lead Newcastle United on goal-difference and are five points clear of Wigan Athletic.

Wigan have played a game less than both Villa and Newcastle.

Sunderland are level on points with Villa and Newcastle.

However, the Black Cats have a much better goal-difference.

Wigan will host Villa on the final weekend of the league season.

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

- Andre Bloem

Chat to me on Twitter @SportswaveAndre