Will Martin O’Neill become a copycat this Christmas?
The Villa boss takes his side to Arsenal tomorrow and he may just be considering ‘doing a Mick McCarthy’ with a crucial clash against Liverpool taking place at Villa Park two days later.
Wolves boss McCarthy was lambasted when he took a second string side to Manchester United recently but saw his rotation policy pay immediate dividends as his men claimed the win the wanted against Burnley just days later.
Wanderers rested 10 of the team which won 1-0 at Spurs the weekend before the Old Trafford trip and, although they fell to a 3-0 reverse against United, it was all forgotten when they went on to batter their relegation rivals.
McCarthy cited a lack of squad strength for his swift switch around and although Villa undoubtedly have much more strength in depth, O’Neill might be thinking about keeping his powder dry for the battle against Rafa’s Reds.
However, that might not be the best of ideas because, if Liverpool start to come good and Arsenal start to slip like they did last season, then it could be the Gunners who are the nearest challengers for fourth spot.
Villa are desperate to qualify for the Champions League and the next few days will be a big indicator as to whether they have real top four credentials.
Verve
O’Neill is unlikely to drop ten players from the side which saw off Stoke City last time out but he may consider some key changes.
The likes of John Carew and Nigel Reo-Coker could come into contention at the Emirates as the Claret and Blue look to put pressure on Arsene Wenger’s elegant side.
The north-London outfit are undoubtedly the best footballing side in the league on their day but can they stand up to the physical battle against the likes of Carew, Richard Dunne and Carlos Cuellar.
O’Neill may keep Stewart Downing, who has not long been back from a long-term injury, in reserve with the Liverpool clash in mind.
After all, Benitez’ men are not the fastest thinking side in the league right now and Villa’s speedy style and creative verve could unhinge them just as it did in late August at Anfield.
Downing has become key to the way Villa play and he has formed a fine attacking triumvirate with Ashley Young and the in-form James Milner.
Decision
So, he could be kept back in order to unlock Jamie Carragher and co, with Reo-Coker chosen to put the frighteners on the young Gunners.
O’Neill would not receive anywhere near the same amount criticism as Midlands rival McCarthy did should he opt for that tactic but then again he isn’t opting to rest his whole team.
Nevertheless, love him or hate him, McCarthy got the result he wanted. He may just have made the decision that keeps his side in the big league.
O’Neill could claim similar credit should his selection policy pay dividends over this key period and Villa remain in the mix for a European berth.
Last year, the Villans had very little option but to go with what they had. It signalled the end of their top four tilt as the squad tired and the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor hit that imaginary wall.
But, they are now better equipped than ever with some canny summer investment from Chairman Randy Lerner paying off.
O’Neill now has the squad that the likes of McCarthy can only dream of. And he will have to trust the second string if he is to get the results needed to see off the likes of Liverpool and/or Arsenal.