Houllier rings the changes for Rovers tie

New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has made eight changes for his first match in charge against Blackburn in the Carling Cup.

Stephen Warnock, Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the only survivors from the side which drew at home to Bolton at the weekend.

Defender Richard Dunne is ruled out with a knee injury while midfielder Stephen Ireland is sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce made seven changes from the side against Fulham. Gael Givet, skipper Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Phil Jones remained in the starting line-up.