McCarthy's FA Cup side contained just one player who featured in the Premier League match at Tottenham the previous Saturday, with the former Sunderland boss prioritising league points over any cup run.
However, McCarthy does not feel the midweek result has turned up the heat for this weekend.
"No extra pressure," he said.
"I could have played them all in the week, and have three or four that were knackered and a couple injured.
"I think the preparation has been great.
"There's always going to be pressure - we're down near the bottom of the league, playing a team that we can get closer to.
"You can put whatever pressure on yourself.
"I don't see any more pressure than the quest to stay in the Premier League and getting points week in week out.
"Nobody else will heap any more on me."
Wolves have drawn five of their last seven matches in all competitions, including creditable stalemates against Arsenal and Spurs.
However, that sequence of results has left them without a win in their last nine matches, and McCarthy acknowledges that needs to change.
"I'm not accepting anything substandard," he said.
"And Wednesday night (against Birmingham) was substandard.
"Last Saturday (against Tottenham) was a terrific performance.
"We were in front, played really well, and had the chances to win it.
"So let's win it. Don't be coming off with heroic failure - I'm not into them at all.
"I'm getting sick of them actually. I want some victories.
"A good point at Bolton, a good point at Arsenal... We need to win."
Wolves go into the match against Villa with a trio of players returning to fitness. Matt Jarvis (hamstring) Roger Johnson (ankle) and Kevin Foley (ankle) have all recovered and are in contention.
"They've all trained," McCarthy said. "Not at full tilt, but they are all fit and able to play."
