Villa will head to St Andrew's for the Birmingham derby on Sunday in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League, and McLeish is surprised Gerard Houllier`s side are struggling this season.
"Is it a surprise to see Villa in the bottom three? The Premier League is unforgiving. It is not to be taken for granted," said the Scot.
"I would never do that and I don't think Gerard Houllier (Villa manager) would either. Villa have got a lot of good players and I'm sure they won't be there at the end of the season."
Source: PA
Source: PA