Unai Emery explains why Aston Villa 'are not yet contenders' in the FA Cup
Unai Emery is preparing to check the fitness of six players ahead of Villa’s FA Cup clash with Cardiff - after claiming his team are not yet contenders to win the competition.
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Villa are through to the fifth round of the Cup for the first time since they reached the final a decade ago and with a number of Premier League guns having already exited the competition, Emery’s men are considered among the favourites by most observers.
But the manager disagrees: "We are not contenders. Why? Because there are other teams with more options than us to win this competition.
“It is a way for a trophy, a way for Europe, in the Europa League.
“It could be (the best), we have three ways, Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
“We are not a contender in the FA Cup to win the title, but to try and compete in the competition and have a way for a trophy and Europe is very important and prestige.
“Every club, the players, coaches, we like trying to get prestige as well.”
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez and defender Tyrone Mings are both doubts, while Emery revealed Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana are close to returning from injuries but will be assessed in training.
January signing Donyell Malen, meanwhile, is struggling with illness though Emery is hopeful he will be recovered to face the Bluebirds. Ross Barkley (knee) remains out but Matty Cash could be available after missing Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
“We will train this afternoon and until we watch on the field how they are, more or less without risk or pain, we will decide who is available.”
