Opposition preview: Aston Villa (A)

One point from six in our last two games. It hardly seems possible, but it is true. After the disappointment of the 0-0 draw with Newcastle, the players need to bounce back immediately and show that result was just a blip.

It won’t be easy against an Aston Villa side who have been fairly strong at home under Steven Gerrard, but with Manchester City and Liverpool still to come in their next two games, they will be desperate for points themselves.

Even if our recent form hasn’t been the best, we’ve at least gone into every game with a clear game-plan and a strong side, and that must continue if we’re going to get back on track.