Aston Villa star outlines FA Cup dream as Unai Emery ponders West Ham selection

The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has made ending the club’s 28-year trophy drought his primary aim this season.

Villa are in the race to qualify for European football through the Premier League and also well placed to reach the last-16 of the Champions League.

But Martinez, who won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020, wants a trip to Wembley. 

Speaking ahead of tonight’s third round tie with West Ham, he said: "I want silverware for the club. I want a cup run and I was very frustrated to be knocked out by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

"I think the fans deserve to be in Wembley at the end of the season. It is something missing for the club for many years. I want cups and I know the feeling it brings for myself and the fans."

Martinez did not play when Villa lost to Palace in October with Joe Gauci replacing him between the sticks and the Argentina international has often been rested by Emery for domestic cup ties.

But he has made clear his desire to be involved when Villa host the Hammers in a tie which has also been billed as the club’s 150th anniversary match.

Emery admitted the fact Villa are playing on Friday, giving them an extra day to prepare for Wednesday’s Premier League match at Everton, may allow him to play a stronger team.

The cup tie is the first of seven games in 22 days for Villa, a run which also includes important Champions League dates with Monaco and Celtic.

Emery acknowledged this is the point of the season his squad must show its strength.

“We are not complaining because we have to be ready to play and take this mentality,” he said.

“When we were playing two years ago, we were playing one match per week because we were out of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup. 

“Of course, we were preparing well for each match but we weren’t playing in the cups and we have been playing in Europe and the FA Cup. 

“We are very happy. We are having more matches and adding more difficulties. But we are happy and having experiences here. 

“Of course, in the squad we need players to be ready. We want to try to be competitive in each competition. Now it’s the moment to show it, tomorrow, next week and in the Champions League.”

Despite Martinez’s words, Emery said he was prepared to make tough decisions should he decide players are in need of a rest.

“Some players want to play in each match,” he said. “It’s impossible to respond at the level you try to get in each match. 

“This is the opportunity I have to manage the players the squad and to identify each moment.

“I have to take time myself to analyse and prepare as best as possible each match. Tactically, trying to set each player in the good moments.”