Source: FOOTYMAD
Clarke expects tough game
Steve Clarke expects a difficult game this afternoon. Although today's opponents, Aston Villa, have nothing to play for they will still be dangerous as evidenced by their 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates last week. "Aston Villa have got a good squad of players. They've had a difficult season but now the pressure is off them. They can relax and play some good football, as we saw with a good result at Arsenal," said Clarke. "It's always difficult when something happens to a manager like what has happened to Gerard Houllier. It sets the place back. "Gary [McAllister] has shown great character to keep them going, keep the ship steady. They've picked up some decent results under him and are settled in mid-table now. Gary has done a good job there. "But we have to concentrate on what we do. After such a good run we feel we let ourselves down a bit against Tottenham at home last weekend. It was a bit of an anti-climax, and to lose a first game at home under Kenny was disappointing. "But if we can go to Villa Park and get three points then who knows what the end of the season will bring us."
