Martin O’Neill will bring his strongest possible Aston Villa side to Priestfield for Sunday’s sell-out cup clash.

Gillingham, who are without two key defenders for the clash following suspensions to Barry Fuller and Garry Richards, will be facing a side who are currently fourth in the Premier League.

The likes of Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and James Milner have helped them make a steady challenge for a Champions League spot this season and they’ll now be lining up to face Mark Stimson’s Gillingham side in the third round of the FA Cup.

O’Neill watched Gillingham hold League 2 leaders Wycombe to a draw last weekend and he’s ready to name his “strongest possible” team after being impressed by what he saw.

“They played exceptionally well,” said O’Neill. "With a full house they will be difficult opponents and we’ll be going as strong as possible.

“Gillingham are a lovely footballing side and it will be tough. But we want to stay in the competition.

“We want to compete and win the game. We will treat the competition with the dignity it deserves.”