Source: SKY_Sports
Pulis - Villa will be tough
Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits his side will have their work cut out if they are to beat Aston Villa.[LNB] The Potters come up against Martin O'Neill's side in a crucial game for both parties, albeit for very different reasons.[LNB]O'Neill fielded a vastly under-strength squad against CSKA Moscow in the Uefa Cup this week, leaving no doubt where his priorities lie.[LNB]Villa will be all out for the win in a bid to secure UEFA Champions League qualification against a Stoke side battling for survival in the Premier League.[LNB]ToughPulis admits his side face a stiff task against a refreshed Villa squad, saying: "This will be very tough for us."[LNB]Asked his thoughts on O'Neill's decision to rest so many key players against CSKA Moscow, Pulis said: "I almost felt like ringing Martin to complain about that![LNB]"But he knows what he wants for his club and he has handled his squad accordingly.[LNB]"I suppose that the pot of gold which comes from qualifying for the Champions League is all important to a club like Villa. I'm not surprised by what he did.[LNB]"But it means that they will be coming at us with all guns blazing now on Sunday, I have no doubts about that.[LNB]Priorities"Finishing in the top four for them is all important and they will have all their big name players back for our game.[LNB]"In some ways it is interesting that he (O'Neill) pays us that much respect because he wants to win this one and get his club into Europe's elite."[LNB]Pulis went on to compliment the Villa boss for his accomplishments during his managerial career.[LNB]"Martin (O'Neill) is a fine manager and has been successful everywhere he has been."[LNB]He added: "I would be delighted to see Villa break into the top four. There is a barrier to break down."[LNB]
