Villa blog: All I want . . .

Merry Christmas Villa fans! I know what I want this year, three points tomorrow! writes Villa blogger Gregg Williams.

Over the last few years we have a pretty poor record against Man City, and thats even when they’ve been rubbish! Now they are a good side and we’ll have to be on top of our game to get anything from the match.

I have two suggestions for Martin O’Neill, a start for Shaun Maloney, and a place on the bench for Moustapha Salifou. Maloney deserves a chance after his goal against Sunderland, and we need a bit more spark around the opposition penalty area. It is too easy for teams to double up on Ashley

Young while our right hand side remains weak going forward. He would provide a bit more unpredictability and guile than Gardner, who is more of a central player than a winger. Barry and Reo-Coker should be capable of handling the defensive duties required in midfield.

As for Salifou, by all accounts he is a totally different player to any of our other midfielders, and would be an unknown quantity for Man City to cope with. If we are chasing the game and have nothing to lose he could come on and make an impact, alternatively if we’re cruising to victory,which would be ideal obviously, he can come on and gain some experience before his services are required in future. He’s been very impressive in the reserves, and deserves a chance in the match day squad.

The games will come thick and fast over the next few weeks. No doubt Martin O’Neill has stressed to the players just how important the festive period is to our European chances. Hopefully the added pressure of the impending transfer window will inspire our fringe players to come good when called upon, as no doubt there will be niggling injuries and suspensions which will force us to rotate our squad. It is likely that everyone will get a chance over the next two weeks and we will need everyone to stand up and be counted. Come on you Lions!