By Paul Brown

Alex McLeish admits there will be an "extra buzz" at Arsenal because of Villa's army of fans travelling down to the Emirates Stadium.

McLeish is relishing sending his players out on Sunday afternoon in front of 5,200 supporters, after the club laid on 60 free coaches.

The Villa boss believes the supporters will definitely spur the lads on as they aim to reach the fifth round of the prestigious competition.

McLeish thinks the players themselves need to have a "no fear" approach going into the exciting encounter.

He said: "There's going to be some exodus of Villa fans on the night to come and support us, which is fantastic.

"It is a great gesture from the club which the supporters have fully taken up.

"It can create that extra buzz. That level of support can definitely lift everyone.

"Away from home in spite being outnumbered, the fans love their voices to be heard and they certainly have by the players, the coaching staff since the start of the season, no question about that.

"I don't see why we should be fearing Arsenal but at the same time you're not going in there shouting from the rooftops - we're going to do this, we're going to do that.

"We have to be at our best defensively because they have some great attackers and we also have attackers ourselves who can hurt people. Arsenal will be wary of that."

Villa beat Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium last term and, while McLeish wasn't manager then, he believes it can spur the players on.

He added: "I am sure the lads will remember what they have done on the turf before.

"Statistics don't determine the outcome of this latest encounter but it gives the players the evidence they can do it against the best of the Arsenal teams.

"I saw the game last season. It was a wonderful performance with two phenomenal goals from Darren Bent."

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