What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester United (1st; 51 points) vs Aston Villa (13th; 28 points)
When: Tuesday 1st February, 2011, at 20:00 UK time
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Yet another Comeback
After come-from-behind display against Blackpool last week, Manchester United produced yet another epic comeback, this time against third tier Southampton, and ensured qualification to the next round of the FA Cup, something that will certainly prove to be valuable as they turn their attention back to the Premier League race. While wins are always welcomed, Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to avoid these situations, well aware that as the pressure builds coming from behind may not be so easy, as his team prepares to welcome Aston Villa.
One goal down against Southampton, the Red Devils had to rely on Michael Owen and super-sub Javier Hernandez to put them back in the game. Speaking after the tie, Ferguson had nothing but praise for “Chicharito”, who managed to save the Mancunians once again: “He’s only had one chance and he’s scored – one chance, one goal is a tremendous ratio. His work rate is fantastic and he’s always on the move”, acknowledged the United boss.
Evading Relegation
Now escaping the pressure-cooker that is the relegation zone, Aston Villa can finally start aiming to move up the Premier League table as they continue to forge an identity under former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier. A win against league leaders United would certainly send their morale sky-high and clear the path for them to embark on a run of good form. Controversy certainly follows Houllier wherever he goes, with the latest talking point being the change in position that the Frenchman has imposed on some of his players.
However, with satisfactory results starting to appear, the protests are becoming scarce, according to forward Gabriel Agbonlahor. "With the formation the manager wants to play, everyone is playing different positions. People may not be happy with where they are playing but the team comes first. With the way we are getting the results now nobody is moaning, everybody is playing where they are told."
Recent form
Manchester United:
Manchester United 5-0 Birmingham City (22/01; Premier League)
Blackpool 2-3 Manchester United (25/01; Premier League)
Southampton 1-2 Manchester United (29/01; FA Cup)
Aston Villa:
Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City (22/01; Premier League)
Wigan Athletic 1-2 Aston Villa (25/01; Premier League)
Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn Rovers (29/01; FA Cup)
Key absences
Manchester United: Antonio Valencia; Rio Ferdinand (doubt)
Aston Villa: Fabian Delph
Players to watch
Manchester United – Edwin van der Sar: The legendary Dutchman finally announced his retirement from the game this week and will bow out at the end of the current campaign, bringing an end to his 20-year-plus career. As his bosses launch themselves into a search for his replacement, the 40-year-old custodian continues to perform effortlessly at the highest level. For Villa, rippling the back of Van der Sar’s net will prove challenging.
Aston Villa – Darren Bent: Having enjoyed a perfect debut against Manchester City – scoring the winner – following his big-money transfer from Sunderland, Bent will be hoping to knock down City’s biggest foes as well when the two sides meet. Should he establish a quick understanding with Agbonlahor, the duo will certainly be one of the Premier League’s most threatening attacking forces. Bent scores wherever he goes, and Villa could reap the benefits at Old Trafford.
Match Prediction
Manchester United’s “passion” for wins makes them heavy favourites for this game. Last year’s runners-up have shown great resiliency and spirit in their last couple of matches, and have certainly sent out the message that they remain England’s most powerful team. While Aston Villa certainly seem on the right path too, clocking up a run of wins under Houllier, they are still behind their adversaries. Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa.
