Gabby Agbonlahor: Only two Premier League clubs have a better squad than Aston Villa and I can prove it with second-string XIs

Gabby Agbonlahor believes that only Manchester City and Liverpool have a better squad than his beloved Aston Villa.

Unai Emery's side have enjoyed a hugely successful season so far having won 13 of their 21 Premier League games.

As a result, Villa are firmly in the hunt for the title, sitting in third position in the table and just two points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Such is the wealth of the Premier League, most squads in the top-flight can boast relatively strong depth, but Agbonlahor puts Villa among the division's very best.

To prove the point, he named second-string XIs for Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

The Villans legend concluded: “The top three out of those are Man City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

"I think Villa’s bench is better than Arsenal’s when everyone is fit.”

Manchester United and Newcastle were not even mentioned in the conversation...

Manchester City

Gabby Agbonlahor's second XI: Stefan Ortega; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji Josko Gvardiol, Sergio Gomez, Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, Micah Hamilton, Julian Alvarez.

Manchester City's place as the top club side in world football is certainly reflected in their first team squad.

Given their dominance across multiple competitions, City's strength in depth is unrivalled and this team could probably challenge for honours.

Arsenal

Gabby Agbonlahor's second XI: Aaron Ramsdale; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Julien Timber, Jacub Kiwior, Cedric Soares; Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah.

Mikel Arteta is building a squad that is the envy of many clubs in the Premier League.

As well as challenging for the Premier League, the hope is that the depth will help them to challenge on all fronts.

Liverpool

Gabby Agbonlahor's second XI: Caoimhin Kelleher, Connor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordan, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo.

Jurgen Klopp's side have undergone a remodel in recent seasons, but that doesn't mean that their squad isn't exciting.

With age firmly on their side, Liverpool will be confident of challenging at the top for years to come.

Aston Villa

Gabby Agbonlahor's second XI: Robin Olsen, Calum Chambers, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Leander Dendoncker, Jacob Ramsey, Youri Tielemans, Nicolo Zaniolo, Emi Buendia, Jhon Duran.

Unai Emery's side have been a revelation in the Premier League this term.

While they haven't had the same investment as others in England, Aston Villa are certainly building a strong squad with plenty of depth.

Tottenham

Gabby Agbonlahor's second XI: Fraser Forster, Emerson Royal, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Ryan Sessegnon, Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil, Timo Werner, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson

Ange Postecoglou is building a squad that is one of the most exciting in the Premier League.

Life after Harry Kane looked bleak, but with fresh faces coming in it's an exciting time to be a Spurs fan.

Chelsea

Gabby Agbonlahor's second XI: Djordje Petrovic, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Mykahailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea are in a period of real transition, meaning that Mauricio Pochettino's squad doesn't strike the same fear as it might have done a few years ago.

That said, if these players can click into gear then the future could be very bright for the Blues.