Mellberg (left) and Baros have been troubled by injury

A section of the Villa fans have called for O'Leary to quit following a string of poor displays this season.

O'Leary will be grateful for their return as Villa face a tough trip to his former club Arsenal this weekend.

"We are looking for a positive end to the season by getting past 40 points and going on from there," said O'Leary.

The Villa boss will hope that the return of central defender Mellberg from a hamstring injury and 10-goal Baros following an ankle problem will help to improve the club's fortunes.

Villa are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premiership with 35 points.

They have won only once in their previous eight matches in all competitions - and have an ominously poor record at Highbury, having lost there on their last seven visits.

Keeper Thomas Sorensen admitted Villa would be the underdogs but said he hoped the Midlands team could pick up a result.

"Arsenal have played in the Champions League this week and hopefully we can catch them on an off day. Then, who knows what can happen," he said.

"Away from home, we've generally also been playing well. Highbury is a great place to go and we have to be at our best to get something but we have played well there the last couple of seasons and it's not beyond our capabilities."