Preparation key in busy winter months - Gazzaniga

As we move into our hectic December schedule, Paulo Gazzaniga feels our preparations will play a key part in helping us to earn positive results, starting with tonight’s clash with Manchester United (7.30pm kick-off).

Across this month, our busy calendar consists of a run of seven matches over a period of just 25 days and Paulo, now in his third campaign with us after joining from Southampton in August, 2017, knows exactly what it takes for the team to remain on the top of their game during the festive season.

It is a period that we have traditionally enjoyed, having just lost five of our last 33 games in December over the last five years, and our number 22 hopes that good form continues this time around.

December's run kicks-off tonight with a tough trip north to Old Trafford, with the team’s eyes solely on the task of taking all three points.

“We know that December is very important because it is a period in which there are many games in a row,” the Argentine shot stopper explained. “Preparation is very important these days. We must be ready physically, so it is important that we recover well to put us in the best shape to try to win each game and continue our good momentum.

“Tonight, we face a match that we all know will be difficult, so we have to continue with the same mentality and with the same confidence in the team.”

This evening’s encounter at Old Trafford could be Paulo’s 10^th start in a row for our first team, his longest run in the side since making the move to N17. And the 27-year-old admits he is loving every minute between the sticks.

“I am calm and keeping my feet on the ground while I feel confident with the support that my team-mates and the coaching team are giving me,” he smiled. “I am very happy with my time on the pitch and I just want to give my best for the team.”