Villa duo missing for Cup clash

Aston Villa will be without midfielder Stiliyan Petrov and right-back Luke Young for tomorrow’s home Carling Cup clash with Burnley.

Nigel Reo-Coker is favourite to take over the captain’s armband from Petrov, who is expected to be out for at least two months with a knee problem, while Steve Sidwell is poised for a rare start in midfield.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor will also miss the Clarets’ visit in the fourth round as he continues his recovery from a groin operation.

The 24-year-old had hoped to be fit for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League derby against Birmingham at Villa Park, but boss Gerard Houllier has now targeted a November 6 return for the player against Fulham.

Villa (provisional squad): Friedel, Guzan, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock, Albrighton, Downing, Ireland, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, A Young, Heskey, Carew, Delfouneso, Clark, Bannan, Lichaj.