EMERY WON'T RIZA TO BAIT

Villa boss wants show of strength despite Bluebirds' survival focus

- NEIL MOXLEY

UNAI EMERY says he is treating Cardiff as if they are "the best team in the world" after hearing the Bluebirds are fielding a weakened team.

The Aston Villa boss insisted that he would not be taking the Championship strugglers lightly tonight, after falling foul of a below-par showing in the same competition two seasons ago.

Villa were dumped out in front of their own supporters thanks to a late Stevenage strike - and, even though he is nursing a lengthy injury list himself, Emery has refused to do the same as opposite number Omer Riza (inset).