Aston Villa defender Matt Targett warns of a backlash from Eagles
Matt Targett has warned Villa to beware the wounded Eagles when they welcome Crystal Palace on Boxing Day.
Palace will arrive in the Midlands looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.
It was the first time the London club had ever conceded seven goals at home in their history and left boss Roy Hodgson admitting he felt ‘humiliated and embarrassed’.
Yet Palace have also demonstrated their own prowess at times this season, not least in their 5-1 thumping of Albion earlier this month. Villa full-back Targett insists they are not a team to be taken lightly.
He said: “They have just had a really tough result and will want to bounce back quickly. So it is going to provide a real test. We have to be wary.
“They have players who can hurt you if you are not set up right at the back. If you don’t counter-press well or if your rest defending isn’t good enough they have quick players and dangerous players who can hurt you.”
The match, which will be screened live on BBC One, is the first Villa league fixture available on free-to-air television since 1992. It is also the first time the BBC has ever shown a Boxing Day fixture.
Targett continued: “We miss the fans so much, especially at Villa Park. When it is full and rocking, it is an unbelievable stadium to play at.
“The boost they give us is irreplaceable. We know they are not going to be there but we want to put on a show for them so they can enjoy their Christmas even more.”
