Aren't they a bunch of twats? They knew the dates of all competitions in August, if it was a problem they should have withdrawn then. It's unfair to the other six clubs in the cup if Villa get a bye into the semi's, make them play with an under 21/EDS team instead of bending over backwards for them.
Or even better, put Arsenal back in to play Villa and ban the dippers from next year's competition then fine them the gate money they took playing Arsenal.