Villa blog: All to play for

As the season nears a close, it can be said that for once we have something to play for at this late stage, writes blogger Gregg Williams.

Fifth place is now in sight, and with confidence high, the question now becomes whether or not our lads have the character and determination required to finish the job.

Our record at Goodison park isn’t too bad in recent seasons. We won there last year with a far inferior side than the one we will be putting out on Sunday.

However, that game carried less pressure and expectation than this time around. We have seen that our young players can sometimes struggle in games of this magnitude, especially when the Sky cameras are rolling.

To ease the pressure somewhat, we should consider that even if we fail to win, a draw would still give us a chance of grabbing 5th. It would however leave us no margin for error in our final two games. In many ways the pressure should be more on Everton, who have spent much of the season chasing a Champions League spot, which would have been progress for them this season.

They are now having to contend with the serious possibility of missing out on the Uefa cup altogether.

They will also fear a Villa side that has won their last three games so handsomely. While it is true that Arteta may be back for them, he is unlikely to be fully fit, and he will have to contend with a Villa midfield full of energy, confidence and considerable bite.

This is arguably the biggest game since Martin O’Neill took over, and i’m sure that he will be relishing the challenge. He will have to make sure that the players are aware of the mental approach required to win a game such as this, and if anyone can do that i’m sure its O’Neill, above any other.