Tony Pulis' side's direct style proved to be effective against Villa and his side took a deserved victory after a pulsating match at the Britannia Stadium.
Liam Lawrence's 30th-minute penalty was cancelled out by John Carew's neat finish in the 62nd minute, before the Potters took the lead again through Ricardo Fuller in the 80th minute.
Villa skipper Martin Laursen looked like he had rescued a point for the visitors three minutes later, but Sidibe's header from Rory Delap's throw gave Pulis' battling Potters the points.
Pulis handed a debut to Abdoulaye Faye after the Senegal defender received his international clearance in time to play.
Faye, who joined from Newcastle for £2.25million, partnered Leon Cort at the heart of the Potters' defence.
Lawrence and Fuller were restored to the starting line-up in place of Glenn Whelan and Mamady Sidibe, left-back Carl Dickinson was included ahead of Andy Wilkinson, while Amdy Faye started in midfield in place of Richard Cresswell.
Player of the Match : Mamady Sidibe (Stoke)
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