Aston Villa’s main challenge is to become consistent after the club have won two, drawn two and lost one across their last five games, says manager Unai Emery.
The Midlands club, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League table – despite earning a place in the last 16 of the Champions League – will host Cardiff City on Friday in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Villa boss Emery says the club’s biggest challenge is to become consistent after going through an uneasy patch of performances.
Across their last 10 games in all competitions, they have won just three while drawing four and losing three.
“Firstly, we have respect for the competition,” Emery said. “Secondly, we respect every team that is competing in this round.”
He added: “Of course Cardiff are a Championship team but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example.
“We weren't successful last year and two years ago.
“We are playing at home at Villa Park and we have to feel strong. To be consistent is our challenge."
Despite being involved in larger competitions such as the Champions League, Emery says that going far in the FA Cup is a way of playing in Europe – providing they reach the final and win.
He said: “It’s a way for a trophy. It’s a way for Europe. The winner is playing next year in the Europa League.
“We have three ways - Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Of course we are not contenders in the FA Cup to win this title.
“To try to compete in this competition and to have a way for a trophy and for Europe is very important and then prestige.
Every player, the club, the coaches – everybody would like one way of trying to get prestige as well.”
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Players in doubt will be monitored in last training session before tie, says Emery
The balancing act of trying to perform in multiple competitions has had its toll on Emery’s squad and, with multiple players out through injury, the Catalan will likely put out a weakened squad on Saturday (12:15 GMT).
Emery confirmed that the squad will train on Thursday, but whether or not sidelined players will return is yet to be seen.
The 53-year-old said: “We will train this afternoon, and until we watch on the field how the players are, more or less without the pain to be available for tomorrow, we will decide.
“Pau Torres is still injured. Matty Cash, close, but we will see this afternoon. Mings is a doubt. Emi Martinez is a doubt. Ross Barkley’s not for tomorrow. Amadou Onana, doubt and Boubacar Kamara, doubt, they are close to coming back.
“Donyell Malen is sick but hopefully he can recover for tomorrow.”
