Aston Villa captain John McGinn insists it’s up to the players to lift the atmosphere at Villa Park as the club chases back-to-back wins in B6 this week
Aston Villa's John McGinn
Aston Villa's John McGinn(Image: PA)
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John McGinn admits it’s up to the players to set the tone for a rocking Villa Park atmosphere, rather than a fireworks display.
The club captain could make his first start at Villa Park since January, after suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat against Everton.
He returned to the squad for the trip to Lille last week and then started in the defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday, although he played only an hour.
Villa’s loss to Manchester United means the Red Devils have now opened up a three-point gap over Unai Emery’s side. However, slip-ups from Chelsea and Liverpool have kept Villa in the top four ahead of the weekend fixture against West Ham.
“We had a much larger gap to the teams beneath us. Man United have picked up, and Chelsea and Liverpool are indifferent, like ourselves,” McGinn admitted.
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“There are teams in better form, but what we have shown over the years is that we can put momentum together and runs together.
“One thing which needs to improve is our home form. Over the years, when we have managed to finish in positions in the league which are probably higher than expected at the time, it is due to the fact that we made Villa Park a hard place to come.
“We need to get back to teams coming to Villa Park and realizing they've been in a game. We are at home on Thursday and Sunday, and we want to get the place rocking - but not by just singing before the game, or fireworks, or anything like that.
“It’s about putting your foot through the ball, getting stuck in, getting the crowd going by personality, ability, and character. This is the time to show character.
“It’s very easy when the team is playing well to be at your best, but this is the time when you see real players come out and get the place going."