Pundit makes ‘massive’ Aston Villa claim as Brighton ‘walk into a cauldron’
Aston Villa fans will give their side an edge when they take on Brighton today.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Steven Gerrard’s first match in charge.
Gerrard will try to drag Villa away from the relegation zone by picking up three points against Brighton in the 3pm kick-off.
The 41-year-old left Rangers to take the reigns as Villains boss on 11 November following the sacking of Dean Smith.
McAvennie claims “Villa Park will be rocking” as the fans welcome their new boss back to the Premier League and he claims this will give the club an edge against Brighton.
“Villa Park will be rocking,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Gerrard is such an icon in the Premier League. Aston Villa are a massive club.
“I was very glad to spend some time there as a player. I think the fans will give him a massive welcome.
“Banners, chants, the works. Gerrard and his staff will be welcomed like heroes, I’m sure.
“It’s exciting for everyone involved, I’m so excited to see how he does.
“There is a big job to do on the pitch and those fans can only help Gerrard get to terms with the challenge.
“He will learn so much so quickly. If he gets a few wins under his belt he will be loved there.
“Brighton will be walking into a cauldron and that will give Villa the edge.”
In other news, an Aston Villa source has dropped a Bodymoor Heath reveal after Gerrard’s first training sessions.