Aston Villa To Rotate Squad For Games Against Arsenal and Liverpool

In a hectic Christmas schedule Aston Villa will have their work out, facing Arsenal on Sunday and then Liverpool two days later, before an FA Cup third round clash and the first-leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Blackburn Rovers , the latter two in the space of just four days.

It's a festive programme that means manager Martin O'Neill will have to rotate his squad to ensure his side don't suffer from the damaging effects of fatigue.

Key players such as James Milner , Carlos Cuellar , Gabriel Agbonlahor , and captain Stiliyan Petrov have all featured in at least Premier League matches this season, some of whom will be given a rest in upcoming fixtures.

That means the likes of Fabian Delph, Habib Beye and Craig Gardner could be handed more prominent roles in the festive period.

Speaking to skysports.com , O'Neill said: "To go to Manchester United and win, then travel to Sunderland last midweek and win there, and then beat Stoke City  at home on Saturday was great because we've gone in with the same team and subs each time.

"I have really good faith in the players. The players want to play for a start. Imagine asking James Milner if he wants to rest up for Arsenal, he wouldn't have it! The same would apply to Ashley Young or any of the players.

"But we have one or two fresh players around and this programme between now and the end of the calendar year, never mind the games we go into immediately in January, is definitely something to look at.

"It is a big period for us and I am quite sure we will utilise the players in that period. I don't want to be making promises that I'm unable to keep but I think we will be able to change a few things.

"You will get players still telling you that they are fine but there's still that bit of tiredness. You take each case on its own merits and then you make some decisions on it.

"I am sure it will be pretty difficult for the team to keep going in the manner they have been doing. In any case, I bet one or two things will be enforced on us in any case with injuries and suspensions."