Premier League: No problem between Leicester and Aston Villa, says Nigel Pearson

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson is confident Saturday’s home game against Aston Villa will not see a repeat of the ill-feeling that marred last month’s meeting between the two clubs.

Referee Craig Pawson booked eight players and sent off City’s Paul Konchesky as Villa won 2-1 on December 7 – although the red card was later overturned.

However Pearson is confident the return fixture will be a better tempered affair and says that any differences were settled after the first match.

"It was sorted out afterwards," said Pearson. "I wouldn't expect anything significant to happen because of that."

Pearson is more focused on building on his side’s positive form over Christmas and the New Year – Leicester are currently on a run of three games without defeat - a win and a draw in the league and an FA Cup victory over Newcastle.

"There's a bit of relief, we've been able to keep in touch over the last couple of weeks, but we've still an awful lot of work to do. It's not as if the season has changed hugely," he said.

"The cup victory, more than anything, reinforced some of the positive aspects of the previous league performances.

"We've spoken many times about having some really good performances and not necessarily getting the results they have warranted, so what we have to do is marry up the two.

"I don't even mind being lucky winners from time to time, but we have to be in a winning position more often.

"At least there is an air of confidence and self-belief now which is very important."