Prediction: Aston Villa vs Manchester United

12th November 2010

Aston Villa returned to winning ways with a narrow win over Blackpool’s second string and there is no doubt the Villand now have to show a massive improvement if they want to continue their unbeaten run. United, on the other hand, took part in the dull derby game against City and they have to try and make things right at Villa Park.

Aston Villa were always going to have problems against high-flying Blackpool, although nobody could expect that Gerard Houllier’s side would need such a big effort to beat the Tangerines, especially after Ian Holloway had opted to field a second string side. The Villans managed to overcome their attacking problems and score three goals, although that is hardly a big achievement seeing who was on the other side. The absence of key strikers should prove to be a major blow against a side as solid as Manchester United, whereas the defensive performance against what was basically a Championship side gives Villa no reason for optimism before they play host to United. The injury situation is even worse than few days ago now that Carlos Cuellar and Habib Beye have joined the lengthy injury list that also contains Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker, John Carew, Emile Heskey, Steve Sidwell and Fabien Delph, although Gabriel Agbonlahor could return to the starting line-up after coming on as a sub against Blackpool.

United hardly impressed in the Manchester derby but they managed to extend their unbeaten league run to 17 games, remaining the only unbeaten Premiership side this season. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men didn’t show all that much at Eastlands but at least they kept their opponents at bay throughout the game, keeping third clean sheet in last four games. The game also ended United’s six-match winning run so there is no doubt the players will be very motivated to return to winning ways and put extra pressure on Chelsea as well as Arsenal. Fergie also faces a big selection headache with Paul Scholes suspended after picking up five yellow cards and so many players on the sidelines. The boss will be hoping to welcome Anderson, Gibson, Giggs and Evra back to contention, although Hargreaves, Owen, Rafael, Rooney and Valencia remain on the sidelined.

Conclusion

Both sides enter the game with injury-depleted squads, although that is likely to affect Aston Villa more as Gerard Houllier doesn’t really have a big squad to work with. Seeing that Villa struggled against Blackpool’s second string, I give them no chance against rock-solid United, even if Fergie will have some important missings.

Verdict: Away win Mancester United (2)

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: 888sport