O'Neill courted controversy when he fielded a second-string side in Villa's UEFA Cup clash at CSKA Moscow and Pulis would have loved to see the Midlanders' top stars take to the field in Russia just three days before Stoke travel to Villa Park.

However, Pulis fully understands his opposite number's decision and insists it should not have come as a surprise to anyone given the potential riches on offer should Villa win a Champions League spot.

And Pulis believes they have a great chance of doing just that with a squad that has "all the right ingredients" and a manager who he rates as one of the best around.

"I am not surprised by what Martin did," said Pulis, "because the pot of gold which comes from qualifying for the Champions League is all important to a club like Villa.

"In some ways it is interesting that he (O'Neill) pays us that much respect because he wants to win this one and get his club into Europe's elite."

"More than anything they have a psychological barrier to break down (to get into the top four), but I see no reason why they can't do it.

"Arsenal stuttered a bit, Villa took advantage and personally I hope they do finish in the top four because it would be lovely for Martin and their football club. As long as we beat them on Sunday then win all the rest of their games.

"Martin is a decent fella who has managed at non-league level and then in the lower leagues and worked his way right through. He's been good wherever he's been and it'll be nice on Sunday to be next to another manager with a tracksuit on!

"You've got all these managers wearing top suits, shirts and ties and all that nonsense so it will be nice to have someone jumping about just as much as me for once."

O'Neill has splashed out over £60million since taking over at Villa Park in 2006 but Pulis believes he has spent it wisely and now boasts a squad with very few weaknesses.

"Martin has spent quite a bit of money there but he's invested it very well. Villa play very direct and the key thing is that Martin has bought players that fit into the system he wants.

"Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and James Milner is as good a front foor as anybody's because of the pace and movement, and then they've got Gareth Barry and Stilyan Petrov in midfield who can supply the passes and the ammunition.

"They've also got a very strong back four so wherever you look they've got the ingredients to cope with most things. I think Martin was looking for a while for someone to cover (John) Carew but then he bought in Heskey, a very good signing, so he's got all his bases covered now and they look a very strong outfit.

Stoke are without the suspended Rory Delap and Matthew Etherington for Sunday's game at Villa Park but Pulis has a fully-fit squad and could even include Ricardo Fuller in his squad thanks to the striker's speedy recovery from a dislocated shoulder.