Premier League: Nigel Pearson wants positive Leicester approach

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has urged his side to lose the fear factor in their bid to beat the drop from the Premier League.

The Foxes are bottom of the table after a winless streak of nine matches as they prepare to take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.

Pearson, who sparked controversy after a heated exchange with a fan during the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday, wants his men to start playing with more freedom in a bid to halt their poor run.

"One of the biggest inhibitors in sport is the element of the fear of failure. It's strangely a big motivator for some people but for others it's an inhibitor," he said.

Both clubs know it's an important game and we have to make sure we do all we can.

"Both clubs know it's an important game and we have to make sure we do all we can. As runs like ours continue it's easy to make assumptions that players lose focus and belief in themselves.

"Again, I have to say it's strange to be so positive here. You almost expect something slightly different but there's a collective resilience and the players are in good condition. I hope we can get that elusive win.

"In the Premier League the concentration levels are more demanding and we've been punished at times for minor errors, the equaliser the other night, and putting pressure on the ball is not enough."

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Villa are unbeaten in their last four games, although they only ended their own nine-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

They have won just once at home this season but Pearson is expecting a tough test.

"I didn't make the assumption they are vulnerable. They've got good players and got off to reasonable start in the early part of season," he said.

"Expectations are always high at a club of their stature and history. We've got our own things to think about and want a positive performance.

"We need to get back to winning ways ASAP. I'm sure both clubs recognise the magnitude of these sort of games but, ultimately we have to be free in own heads to go out and perform. We'll keep plugging away.

"I'm sure people in the Villa camp will say 'Leicester have not won for so long'. It depends on the team's ability on any given day."

Watch Aston Villa v Leicester live on Sky Sports 1 at 4pm on Sunday.