Defender Curtis Davies believes Aston Villa's formidable domestic form could strike fear into their opponents in the UEFA Cup this season.Villa climbed back into the top four of the Premier League with their impressive 4-2 win over Bolton on Saturday, leapfrogging Arsenal, who will be their next home opponents on Boxing Day.

Martin O'Neill's side turn their attention back to Europe on Thursday with an away clash with SV Hamburg ahead of the hectic domestic festive programme.

Both clubs have already qualified for the last 32 and O'Neill is set to ring the changes after admitting he is not concerned where they finish in the group.

But, when the knockout stages get under way, Davies believes opponents will be wary of Villa's Premier League record.

The former West Brom captain said: "We are a good team. We have played against the top teams in this country and not done too badly this season, winning at Arsenal and drawing at home with Liverpool and Manchester United.

"I expected Arsenal to be pushing for first or second place - let alone fourth - but, the way things have gone over the last couple of months since we have beaten them at the Emirates, I feel they are there for catching up.

"They didn't have a good result at Middlesbrough at the weekend and we have got to keep winning games. We have closed the goal difference down.

"It is equal now. If we can keep going and keep scoring goals, I don't see why we can't finish above them.

"If we can go to West Ham at the weekend and get a result there, then Arsenal at home will be a good test to see if we can put some daylight between us and them.

"We need to be on our game to make sure, if we can put them away here, we can put ourselves in a good position for that fourth place.

"And, when it comes to the European games, hopefully what we are doing means the opposition will be in a little bit of fear of us."

Davies is confident Villa can obtain a positive result in Hamburg, whatever team O'Neill decides to field, and is keen to play himself.

He said: "If we want to finish top of the group, and avoid the Champions League teams, then we are going to have to win.

"It will be hard. They are doing well under Martin Jol, they have good players there. It is a mini England-Germany and will be tense.

"But whoever we play, whether we finish first, second or third in the group, is going to be top quality and have to be beaten if we are going to progress in the competition.

"I was part of the England squad which won in Germany a few weeks ago and I would settle for the same result.

"But I didn't play on that occasion. I'd love to play in this game. I haven't played in a few UEFA Cup games and was injured for the last one. I'd like to get another one under my belt.

"I came to Villa to play in European games. I don't know which way the manager is going to go with selection, whether we will go all out to win the group or whether we are going to rest people to keep them fit for the weekend game at West Ham.

"But whatever team we put out will be strong and I'll be delighted if I am picked to play."

O'Neill made eight changes for Villa's last UEFA Cup game against MSK Zilina and the likes of Brad Guzan, Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood, Nathan Delfouneso, Craig Gardner, Zat Knight, Nicky Shorey, Isaiah Osbourne and Moustapha Salifou could again feature in Hamburg.

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