The Midlanders travel to Russia today for Thursday’s
second-leg tie with CSKA Moscow after last week’s 1-1 draw.
But Villa boss O’Neill is planning to leave a number of
senior players at home as he prepares for Premier League clashes
against Stoke on Sunday and Manchester City two days later.
Skipper Gareth Barry admitted: “This is a difficult one
for the manager.
"If you are looking at Stoke as the priority it might
be vital, after playing two games in four days last week, that a
few players get some rest.”
Despite losing 1-0 to Chelsea on Saturday, Villa remain
fourth in the league, six points ahead of Arsenal.