Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists that he will not allow his emotions to get the better of him ahead of Sunday’s clash with fellow relegation rivals Norwich.
The Scot formerly managed the Canaries, guiding them from League One to the top flight in just two seasons before surprisingly leaving for Villa Park after ensuring the Norfolk side remained in the Premier League in their first year back in the big time.
Norwich continued to thrive in Chris Hughton’s initial season in charge but have somewhat floundered this term, currently sitting 15th in the table, level on points with the Villans who are a place above them.
It means Sundays clash is likely to be a tight one, with the home side installed as the current 2.16 favourites, with the draw at 3.20 and the Norfolk outfit at 3.64 – and a victory for either side could be key to their chances of survival.
Villa go into the game in disappointing form having not won in their last four but Norwich’s goal-scoring record is woeful and this could be the perfect chance for the West Midlands outfit to keep a confidence building clean sheet, a feat they are priced at 2.51 to achieve.
All this means is that the teams will be going all out to claim the three points but Lambert says he won’t get distracted by the extra pressure of playing his former employers as he believes it will only adversely affect his team.
“This is just another game,” he said. “If you prioritise what game is more important than another, I think you end up flat on your face.”
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