Saturday 3 November 2012 14:16, UK
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is hoping his side can be more clinical in Saturday's clash with Aston Villa.
This weekend's opponents, Paul Lambert's Villa, are 17th and just above the relegation zone with only six points from their opening nine games, having only won once against Swansea. But O'Neill, who left Villa in August 2010 and moved to Wearside last December, expects a strong showing from Lambert's side. "Naturally I expect a very difficult game," O'Neill said. "They had a very fine result in midweek and succeeded where we didn't in getting through to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup, so that will stand them in good stead. "I know the manager very well. We worked together as manager and player at Celtic and I've got much regard for him. I've got no doubt that despite the sticky start he will pull things round. "He needs a little bit more time as he's only just got there but I don't think there will be a problem."
