O'Neill: Aston Villa Must Not Be Intimidated By Liverpool

The erudite Irishman says that his troops should not allow their hosts' recent form to inhibit them.

Mar 20, 2009 3:47:30 PM

More On :  Aston Villa, Liverpool
EPL: Martin O'Neill, Manchester City v Aston Villa (PA)

Aston Villa travel north to Anfield to face Liverpool in a crucial Premier League fixture for both sides this Sunday, and Villa boss Martin O'Neill is urging his men not to let the occasion affect their performances.

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Liverpool have been in scintillating form over the last week and a half, destroying Real Madrid at home and Manchester United away in two thrilling games last week. O'Neill is concerned that such results may intimidate his players a little, and is urging them to remember that they have no reason to feel inferior to the Reds.

"The focus now is totally on this weekend’s game, so let’s go and play with a little less fear," the Irishman told The Birmingham Post.

"They’ve had a fantastic victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, they’ve beaten Real Madrid, so at this moment their form and results have been terrific."

However, Villa produced a terrific effort in last season's corresponding fixture, and their manager is hoping for similar levels of motivation from this year's line-up.

"But last year we went up there, we fought back from a goal behind to get ourselves in front and conceded a late goal," he added.

"What we have to do is keep hold of that self-belief and the players have got to try and remain as strong as possible. “They are certainly capable of doing it."

The Villans travel to Anfield on Sunday, kick-off 16:00 GMT.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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