Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has hinted that he may select a weakened starting lineup for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Preston North End.
Having reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in their history, Villa can claim to be enjoying a memorable campaign.
However, the West Midlands outfit make the trip to Deepdale this weekend with work to do to secure European qualification for 2024-25, a consequence of only sitting in ninth position in the Premier League table.
Villa are preparing for the prospect of playing six times in the space of 17 days, a period which includes a double-header with Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking ahead of facing Preston, Emery has indicated that he has devised a way where Villa can learn from the lessons of their poor end to 2023-24.
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‘We want to finish with full energy’
At a press conference on Friday, the Spaniard said: “Two years ago, we finished the season strong. We drew against Liverpool and won against Brighton at home.
“Last year, we finished the season very tired, there wasn’t enough energy, and we lost the last match against Crystal Palace away.
“This year, my idea and how we are now planning the rest of the season is to try to finish with full energy.”
With games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest to follow in less than a week, Emery may hand some squad members valuable game time versus the second-tier outfit.
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One injury concern?
Ross Barkley has missed the last 15 games in all competitions due to a knee ligament injury and the midfielder will remain sidelined this weekend.
Nevertheless, Emery has suggested that the Englishman is closing on a return, saying: “It is really bad the last two months for him while he has been injured.
“He is now so, so close to start training with us. Maybe even today, tomorrow or Monday. He is feeling good now.”
Ollie Watkins is in line to be available after missing England duty with a minor knee issue, while the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Andres Garcia and Leon Bailey were namechecked as players who need to be assessed after representing their countries.
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