O'Neill could be wrong

Aug 18 2006

VILLA manager Martin O'Neill admits that he fully expects to have already arrived at the wrong decisions concerning some of his players.

O'Neill has not yet named his side to face Arsenal with fitness doubts hanging over Gary Cahill, Martin Laursen, Steven Davis and Wilfred Bouma.

But he is close to knowing in his own mind which side will step out at the Emirates and he knows that his first impressions could be misleading.

"I have an idea," he said. "But I can be swayed.

"In normal circumstances pre-season, if I know the team, is about fitness and getting a few set-pieces together and getting mentally tuned in to the season ahead.

"But five years ago when I arrived at Celtic I said to the lads that something might happen that helps make my mind up about the game.

"Two months down the way, when I know everything about the players, it might not have been the decision that I would have arrived at if I really knew the players inside-out.

"But all I can go on is what I have seen plus the back-up of the videos games from last year.

"That isn't always the best guide because even with a new manager, new team, new set of tactics - if that is the case - essentially football shouldn't change that much but it is different and people react differently."

Milan Baros is ruled out with his lingering foot injury, but O'Neill is increasingly optimistic as to his imminent involvement.

Patrik Berger should also rejoin training next week.