Clarke's side face Arsenal at home in the League Cup third round on Wednesday before a trip to Old Trafford to take on champions Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.
And the Scot expressed the importance of finding the balance between maintaining a winning side and keeping his players fresh.
"Arsenal at home is a difficult game," he said.
"But it will be a good game and I have a nice squad of players, who all want to play.
"For me, between now and Wednesday is making sure I have the right selection and get the right mix on the pitch.
"I have got players who need to play and players who want to play."
"We also have a difficult trip to Old Trafford at the weekend," he said.
"So between those two games I have to make sure I get the selections right and continue our good performances.
"Winning on Wednesday night and progressing in the cup would be good because we have a big squad so the longer you stay in these competitions the better.
"And obviously we would go to Old Trafford on the back of two wins."
