Playing Without Fear

Shame really, JF's a natural left back (in the changing room), but O'Neill has reminded the players to ignore our baldy one and not to be scared in the process.

After our performance in last season's 2-2 draw at Anfield, O'Neill is confident that we are more than capable of putting in a similar performance this Sunday. They key it seems it that we can't be afraid of Liverpool's resurgence in form of late, nor with our leaky - whatever the back four are called these days, wingers - considering Pool have smashed in 8 goals in their last 2 games, the statto's amongst us will no need reminding the opposition was Real Madrid and Man U.

The call for the manager is of self belief and a return to the form, and freedom of play we were showing earlier in the season.

Speaking on the official site, Monnymite said:

'Before we come back to Villa Park we've got two unbelievably difficult games but you can only deal with one at a time.

'But the focus now is totally on this weekend's game so let's go and play with a little less fear.

'They've had a fantastic victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, they've beaten Real Madrid, so at this moment their form and results have been terrific.

'But last year we went up there, we fought back from a goal behind to get ourselves in front and conceded a late goal.

'What we have to do is keep hold of that self-belief and the players have got to try and remain as strong as possible. They are certainly capable of doing it.'

Oh we are more than capable of doing it, we just haven't for a while.

On the back of, well, almost everything since Everton in the Cup we are due a performance and we are due a bit of luck.

Regardless of whether you are sitting on MON's fence or whether you believe the fans actually involved, the Spurs match HAS to be our turning point if we are to save anything from this season now.

Successive games, successive and similar errors tactically, formation rotationally, or individual performances are biting us squarely on the behind.

Spurs proved that, irrespective of the fans.

We need to learn from it, we need to move on, we need to get back to a formation or a lineup that provides balance and was key to our performances and points tally earlier in the season.

The players have self belief, they know how they can play and where they play.

Whilst some think our Champs League dream is over, the optimist in me (yes there does exist one) say the battle for 4th Place has only just begun and it's up to O'Neill and the players to show how much they want it.

They show the willing, and stop undermining themselves and the fans will react. The dream isn't over for us yet, it shouldn't be for the club.

Barry said earlier in the week IF we can put in a stomping performance it would draw a line under the disappointments of late, and could kickstart a phenomenal end of season run in.

There's no reason it can't happen and it's in Mr Motivator's hands.

For the very latest Premier League odds

Free £15 bet when you spend £5 on The New Football Pools




Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.