Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has prepared his team to face Saints at Villa Park _(Image: PA)_
ASTON Villa boss Unai Emery says he will not be able to pick his team to face Saints until the morning of the match due to squad fitness concerns.
Saints travel to Villa Park for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday with Emery's side eighth in the Premier League table while also competing in the Champions League.
The Midlands outfit are in a good position to qualify to the next stage of Europe's premier competition with 10 points from five matches.
Saturday’s visit of the Saints is Villa's fifth match in 15 days and another Champions League match is to come in the week.
And after ending an eight-match winless run with a midweek 3-1 victory over Brentford, Emery insists his charges are feeling the effects.
Emery said: "It’s been very difficult because we played two matches in three days, even we played against Juventus but we had, more or less, one day more to rest.
“And we are playing three matches, with the match tomorrow, just in the middle another match against Leipzig on Tuesday.
“It’s the most difficult challenge we can have, playing four matches in those days. Today I don’t know exactly which players are available for tomorrow.
"Some are doubts, yesterday they were in some pain and as well some were really tired. I think until the morning it’s not going to be clear for me which players will start.
“It has been impossible at the moment, because players are playing a lot of matches and they are coming with some injuries, some small pains, getting tired,” he added.
“But for me, it’s not the most important to try to be consistent with the starting 11 players. I want all players to know tactically.
"I want them to perform tactically and individually, with their quality, always getting the level we want. I have to use two players for each position, trying to compete."
Saints manager Russell Martin enters the match under pressure after supporters voiced their concerns at their 11th defeat in 14 league fixtures on Wednesday.
Despite that, Martin insisted: "Genuinely I'm enjoying it. We're learning so much about ourselves and about people in tough situations.
"I'm doing a job I love so perspective is really important. I'm doing it with a group of people I love working with and a club and a place I'm really happy.
"It's really that simple. There is no other choice. It is all-encompassing but it's an absolute privilege to be manager of this club and in the Premier League as well.
"This game and I think every game is an opportunity. Every game is one we have to try and win because of the position we're in," he concluded.