Dean Smith has spoken of the challenge Aston Villa face in ensuring their squad are in "tip-top shape" to face Newcastle United after the international break.
The newly-promoted side were beaten by rivals Wolves in their last outing and have lost their last three Premier League clashes.
Smith's side host the Magpies in an evening kick-off in front of the TV cameras on Monday, November 25 following the international break.
United have won three of their last five matches to establish a seven-point cushion over the relegation zone, and will arrive at Villa Park in a confident mood following back-to-back victories over West Ham and Bournemouth.
Speaking to Villa's official YouTube channel , the Villa boss has spoken of the balance of using relaxation breaks and working hard to ensure his squad are ready for the televised clash.
Smith said: "We've got an awful lot of players who are away and it's really important that the players who are here keep improving and we keep making sure they get their little breaks they require to, physically and mentally, have a little bit of a relaxation.
"We won't rest on our laurels and we will keep working hard here to make sure that when we come back for Newcastle United we are in tip-top shape."
