Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill gave his players time off ahead of the biggest week of his Villa Park career.

He hopes that will mean they are fresh for seven crucial days that end with the Carling Cup final at Wembley against Manchester United tomorrow week.

First Villa face Burnley in the league tomorrow and have an FA Cup replay with Crystal Palace next Wednesday.

O'Neill said: "It is probably the biggest week since I've been here. It is crucial, very important. I can't dismiss it as being just a normal week.

"And that is why I chose to give the players a fair chunk of it off."