The weekend’s most anticipated Premier League fixture is between Arsenal and Liverpool; who both reside in the rat race for to secure a top-4 spot.
Irrespective of the result at The Emirates, Manchester United ’s home match against The Claret and Blue is far more significant, as it would increase the margin between the Red Devils and their most hated of rivals.
This Manchester United vs Aston Villa game preview and analysis is from our United writer and emerging journalist Anand Padmanabhan. Go here for his starting XI prediction and line-up rationale.
Tactical Approach:
A quick start from Manchester United full-backs and wingers to deliver efficient crosses to Fellaini and striker Rooney would facilitate goal scoring against the less experienced Villa back-line.
However, various problems could be caused to United defenders and steady holding midfielders by the energetic Aston Villa midfielders Fabian Delph, Carles Gil and Joe Cole. Further, the pace of Villa forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor or Andreas Weimann and aerial threat of Belgian striker Christian Benteke would cause havoc to the Red Devils defence.
Injury news and Suspensions:
Currently, all the United players are fit, but, forward Robin Van Persie is undergoing the recovery phase of his ankle injury. He could feature in the next week’s exciting Manchester derby.
The only suspended player for Manchester United is defender Jonny Evans (For the Spat with Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse).
For the Lions, about seven players are having major injury issues.
At present, the major worrying concerns for Villa’s coach Tim Sherwood are defenders Ron Vlaar (calf), Philippe Senderos (calf) and Nathan Baker (knee), full-backs Ali Cissokho, Kieran Richardson and Matt Lowton.
The Denmark centre back Jores Okore will have a late fitness test (knee problem) for the weekend’s game.
Villa will also be without loan midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is ineligible to face his parent club,
The only positive news for the Villans is midfielder Joe Cole is available (recovered from a hamstring injury).
Previous meeting:
Manchester United visiting Villa Park resulted in a draw. (1-1 score line)