O'Neill expecting tight game
04 Nov 2009 - 11:30:40
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is expecting a tough encounter when his side faces West Ham United at Upton Park on Wednesday.
Victory for Villa will lift them up to fourth in the Premier League table but O'Neill thinks it will be extremely difficult to return from the east end of London with all three points.
He said in the build-up to the game: "It's a tough match - really, really tough. Regardless of where West Ham are positioned, games at Upton Park are just really hard.
"They'd consider themselves very unlucky this season. I think they should have more points on the board than they currently have. They'd say that themselves.
"This season they started off very well, beating Wolves on the opening day and haven't won since.
"But I don't think results and performances have gone together. They've played much better than that.
"It will just be difficult for us. They've ended up drawing their last two matches - they've come from behind against Arsenal - a fantastic achievement. They were definitely second best in the first half but showed good character and resilience to fight back and get a draw.
"In the second one - against Sunderland - they will be disappointed to have not seen out the game after enjoying a two-goal lead. But then again the Stadium of Light isn't easy."