Fully fit Aston Villa roster available against Newcastle on Saturday | OneFootball

Nowadays, a squad needs to have something of a 'starting 22,' as is the case with Aston Villa. Between international duties and the increasing number of matches, the schedule is more unforgiving for players. Staying fit and being able to compete with the same rotation is not a realistic expectation in the modern era.

Having quality-level subs and depth across the formation is needed. Fortunately for Villa, Monchi and Unai Emery are ahead of the curve in this regard. Every matchday sees some disagreement, as there is someone excluded who would otherwise comfortably make a starting XI.

As the boss shared his thoughts before the weekend's Premier League match against Newcastle United, the Spaniard shared that the squad is fully fit. With the availability of everyone, certainly there will now be the exclusion of multiple players who do not even make the bench who would otherwise start.

The club knew of this possibility through their January activity. Fortunately, the need to provide cover due to injury is an aspect that isn't directly applicable at the moment. Adding depth usually results from the desire to be prepared for 'in-case' situations. With everyone returning and being available for selection, including Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley, Emery will have his toughest decisions to make to close out the year.

Between the FA Cup semi-final match and the rest of Premier League play, there will be ample opportunities for the AVFC manager to rotate anyone excluded or who doesn't get enough run of play in. This could mean leaving someone out just for the sake of rest.