Villa’s clash with Chelsea will be the first time Martin O’Neill has crossed swords with Luiz Felipe Scolari.

He believes the Chelsea manager, who guided Brazil to the World Cup in 2002, has a ruthless winning mentality mirrors that of his new club.

The Villa boss said: “They go full-bloodedly at the Carling Cup. They go at it like it is the Champions League, more so than anyone else. That’s not something that Scolari started.

“That’s from Jose Mourinho’s time. Scolari is trying to learn the language. Chelsea in the last four or five years have been remarkable. I have the utmost regard for that club because they treat every competition with respect.

“He’s a big winner. He’s won the World Cup with Brazil. People might say, ‘It’s Brazil and you are bound to have a chance of winning it with them.’

“I’m sorry, I go the other way. I think the expectation level is colossal. He managed that. He managed great players. He deserves all the accolades that are thrown onto him. He has been very impressive.

“He’s kept it going. He’s a big character.”

O’Neill also confirmed there will be no fairytale Stamford Bridge comeback for former Blues midfielder Steve Sidwell.

The £5.5million summer signing has returned to training following a knee problem but is short of match fitness, although he should get the all clear to resume his Villa career after the international break.

O’Neill has no other injury worries and, after resting six of his stars in midweek, will revert to the same starting line-up he has opted for in all six of Villa’s Premier League games so far.