Sidwell - Don't write us off

22 August 2009 14:20
Steve Sidwell has warned against writing off Aston Villa despite their poor start to the campaign. Martin O'Neill's side lost their season opener 2-0 to Wigan at Villa Park last Saturday and were then beaten 1-0 at Rapid Vienna in the Europa League play-off first leg in midweek. Next up is the tough trip to title challengers Liverpool on Monday - where O'Neill's side lost 5-0 last term - but Sidwell is still hopeful of better times ahead. Villa were seriously pushing for a UEFA Champions League spot for a long period last season and the midfielder sees no reason why they can not challenge again. He said: "Is the top four further away now? Not at all. It is going to be a very tight league this year, as you can see from some of the results already. "We will still be in there competing come the end of the season. It is important for us to get our season on track as soon as possible really. Tough game "We've got a tough game at Liverpool. There has been a lot of progression at other clubs but we've got more than enough to deal with that and be contenders. "The two defeats have not affected the mood. It has been tough. At every club you want to get off to a good start, especially in the Premier League and in Europe. "It hasn't happened for us but we are a good, young vibrant side that can deal with that and the most important thing at the moment is that the games come thick and fast to easily turn it around." Villa have not got the biggest of squads compared to some other clubs but Sidwell also sees an advantage in this. He said: "People mention how thin the squad is but you have just got to deal with it. I am sure the manager and the board and the staff are all looking to get players in. "At the moment it doesn't seem to be happening and we've got to deal with that the best we can. Stability"One thing you can say with a thin squad is that you've got stability. If you are going to be playing the same sort of team every week, the players will get used to each other. "We've got more than enough young and hungry talented players in there who want to play and win every game." Sidwell expects Liverpool to again challenge for the title despite the loss of key midfielder Xabi Alonso. He added: "They will be challenging for the title. They have always been a top-four side. Last year was the closest they have been to winning the league for a while. "They will take confidence from that. Steven Gerrard is one of the biggest match-winning players in the Premier League. I am sure they will run Manchester United and Chelsea close."

Source: SKY_Sports