Sherwood: Villa v West Brom not ‘just another game’

Mark Holmes
Tim Sherwood and Tony Pulis: Aston Villa host West Brom again on Saturday

Tim Sherwood and Tony Pulis: Aston Villa host West Brom again on Saturday

Tim Sherwood acknowledges the game against West Brom has added importance for Aston Villa’s fans – but he wants them to stay off the pitch.

Villa welcome their local rivals to Villa Park on Saturday for the first time since their fiery FA Cup clash last season.

Villa won the quarter-final 2-1 in March but were eventually fined £200,000 after fans twice invaded the pitch, once during and once at the end of the game.

Seats were also thrown from the Albion section onto Villa supporters in the stand with Tony Pulis insisting he feared for his players’ safety during the invasion.

Claudio Yacob and Jack Grealish were also sent off in the second half during a feisty game which came just four days after Villa had won their Premier League clash 2-0.

Sherwood is desperate to lead his side to another victory for the fans on Saturday, but he has urged them to keep their celebrations in the stands.

“I hear a lot of managers say it is just another game. It is not actually. It means a lot more than that, it is local pride, bragging rights. We have to make sure we do it for our fans and ourselves.

“I just hope that they’re tempted to (invade the pitch). If they are then we’ve done something right but please stay to the edge on the pitch. Do all your cheering from there. You do it well enough.

“They give great support to this football club, to the players and to myself.

“It can be done from their seats or standing up. Make sure you stay off the pitch.

“I just hope you get tempted to jump on it.”

Idrissa Gueye’s hamstring injury will be assessed on Friday after he missed Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Leicester while Carles Gil and Adama Traore (both calf) are doubts.