Moncs: ‘We really do need to win at Villa’

We really have to be thinking three points at Villa on Boxing Day.

We appear to be in the last days of the injury crisis and may start with the same team that drew at Swansea, but we have to go up there with a winning mentality.

Unlike some, I’m not complaining about the recent three results – we have hung in and ground out results against decent opposition. Even Swansea, despite their lowly position, are a good team and know how to pass the ball around.

We gave them a lot of ground but never looked like losing but on Saturday we have to be ready to give it a bit of a go whilst retaining our defensive shape and hopefully come away with three points.

I’m hoping that should Carroll and Lanzini still be unavailable, Slav will go with Enner Valencia up front because we looked a different proposition when he came on against the Swans.

Alex Song too is starting to look good so hopefully we will see some real craft despite being without our main men who thankfully all seem on the way back now.

I see no reason why we can’t beat Southampton next Monday and I understand the manager has to be careful how he manages the squad over such a crowded period.

But the Saints manager Koeman is starting to criticise his players and this may be a very good time to be meeting them.

I think six points is very, very feasible but I don’t think we can be happy with any less than four. However, three in the bag from Boxing Day would brighten the mood considerably and set us up beautifully for Monday.