Villa's Emery banks on last season's experience to deal with busy schedule

Emery to rotate squad as Villa face 13 games in 43 days

Unai Emery is prepared to rotate his Aston Villa squad as they face a hectic schedule of 13 games in 43 days following the World Cup break.

Villa's first game back is against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on December 17, followed by a Premier League clash with Tottenham three days later. They then have a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United on December 20, before facing Liverpool again in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Emery knows that he will need to use his squad depth to avoid injuries and keep his players fresh during this busy period. He said: "We have a lot of games in a short space of time, so we will need to rotate the squad. We have a good squad, with a lot of quality, so I am confident that we can cope with the challenges ahead.

Emery has experience of managing a busy schedule

Emery has experience of managing a busy schedule, having led Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals last season. He also won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2016 and 2017.

The Spaniard said: "I have experience of managing a busy schedule, so I know what to expect. We will need to be careful with our players and make sure that they are getting enough rest and recovery time. We also need to be flexible and adaptable, and be prepared to change our tactics and formations depending on the opposition.

Emery is confident that Villa can cope with the challenges ahead. He said: "We have a good squad, with a lot of quality, so I am confident that we can cope with the challenges ahead. We will need to be focused and determined, but I believe that we can achieve our goals.