O'Neill wants to raise tempo
Martin O'Neill today urged Villa to hit Middlesbrough with "gusto" as they seek to extend their unbeaten home record.Martin O'Neill today urged Villa to hit Middlesbrough with "gusto" as they seek to extend their unbeaten home record. Villa return home after picking up four points on their travels against Everton and Wigan to face old boy Gareth Southgate's winless away side. Manager O'Neill said: "I think we can still play with a bit more gusto. Here, there's still pressure on us to win at home, of course, because we want to follow up a couple of good away results." Read the full story in the Express & Star
Villa return home after picking up four points on their travels against Everton and Wigan to face old boy Gareth Southgate's winless away side.
Manager O'Neill said: "I think we can still play with a bit more gusto. Here, there's still pressure on us to win at home, of course, because we want to follow up a couple of good away results.
"But there should be more confidence about the team now. They should be able to suffer a few bad moments and not be too anxious - even if the crowd are.
"The good thing I'd take from the away matches, is that extra bit of confidence which is important when you're at home because the demands are very different.
"You have to attack and take the game to the opposition and try to sustain that."
Gavin McCann has shaken off a bug after coming through training yesterday.
But a late decision will be taken on Stiliyan Petrov, who only trained with the physios yesterday, and Aaron Hughes. If Petrov's out, Steven Davis could start.
* Patrik Berger has signed for Stoke on loan until January 4, joining Lee Hendrie.
