Villa manager Martin O’Neill today admitted he plans to rest players against Blackburn on Saturday as he puts the League Cup before the FA Cup.

With Wembley now just one round away, O’Neill admitted Tuesday’s Carling Cup semi-final, first leg, with Rovers takes on greater significance than this weekend’s FA Cup third-round clash.

The Villa boss resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes for Tuesday’s defeat to Liverpool – their second loss in three days – but once again his team looked tired.

And he confirmed he will change things around on Saturday to leave his first-choice Villa team fresh for Carling Cup action.

“What we might do is make some changes in the team for Saturday, said O’Neill. “I’m sure Blackburn might do the same. We are now so close in the Carling Cup.

“That is not to lessen the FA Cup, it is a great competition and we will try to get through the tie.

“I think there’s a determination among the other players who haven’t played so they must use that eagerness to go and play on Saturday. One or two of the boys, who have played a lot of games, will miss out to try to be ready for Tuesday.”

Stiliyan Petrov, Richard Dunne, Gabby Agbonlahor and James Milner are among those likely to be rested.

Habib Beye, James Collins, Fabian Delph and Steve Sidwell all look certainties to start, while young duo Marc Albrighton and Nathan Delfouneso could also play. Ashley Young will return from suspension for the clash, while Emile Heskey remains a doubt because of illness.