Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill hopes to avoid cards

09 Feb 2009 - 13:44:57

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is hoping a potential spate of suspensions do not undermine his side's push for success on three fronts this season.

Midfielder Gareth Barry will miss Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash against Everton after picking up his fifth booking of the season during last weekend's 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young are both close to reaching the same yellow card limit.

Villa are hoping to maintain their position in the Premier League as they look to secure Champions League qualification via a top-four finish, while they remain in contention for both FA Cup and UEFA Cup glory.

"We have a number of players on four bookings and we have to try and see it through to the end of the month, but that's going to be asking a lot," admitted O'Neill.

"It was always going to be asking a lot of Barry, a midfielder and a combative player, to manage that.

"But the likes of Gabby and Ashley should be able to see it through."