SMITH IS SET TO ROTATE
DEAN SMITH says he loves the FA
Cup — but will have no option but to rest players ahead of Aston Villa’s glamour tie against Liverpool.
His side welcome the Premier League leaders to Villa Park on Friday — potentially offering those who miss out a 12-day break.
Given the run of six matches in 21 days that they have just played and the six games in 21 days that follow the match against the Reds — not including a potential fourth round clash — Villa boss Smith says changes are inevitable.
He said: “As much as I love the FA Cup I did feel that with the congested fixtures that it might have been postponed this year.
“I thought it might have gone to free up space for league fixtures.
“So, we’re definitely looking at the schedule to see what we can do.
“We will have to make some changes and I’m certain that
Liverpool will as well because there’s a hell of a programme during January.”
Villa’s boss does have some options with several players on the long-term injury-list who could feature against the Reds, although it may come too soon for others.
Smith added: “Wesley has not done any contact training at all.
“He will be joining in with the group next week on a non-contact basis.
“We will have more of an idea when he resumes training as to where he is.
“Tom Heaton will be in my thoughts to start against Liverpool.
“Trezeguet is another who hasn’t done much.
“I don’t think I will risk Ross (Barkley). I think I’ll try to get him up to speed for the Tottenham game.”