Only a win will be good enough to take United back to the top of the table after Benayoun's last-gasp winner for Liverpool yesterday at Craven Cottage. A win for Aston Villa would see them go within 3 points of Arsenal and the final Champions League spot.
Manchester United have lost just one of their last 6 League games at home - the 4-1 thumping courtesy of Liverpool some weeks ago. More importantly, the Champions have lost their last 2 consecutive League games - they have not lost 3 in a row in the League for nearly 7 years. United have scored 31 and conceded just 9 in 14 home games this season - but their striking prowess has taken a blow with Wayne Rooney suspended and Dimitar Berbatov sidelined for 2 weeks with an ankle injury. Ever-reliable Carlos Tevez will be needed more than ever and will finally get a chance to prove himself in front of the Old Trafford crowd when it really counts. Gary Neville may be in contention for a start after coming through a reserve game - finally putting an end to the Red Devils' right back misery. Scholes and Vidic are both also suspended for this game meaning Evans may partner Ferdinand in defense, whilst Fletcher and Anderson may both play alongside Michael Carrick in a 4-5-1 into 4-3-3 formation. Ryan Giggs on Ji-Sung Park will likely be given the nod on the left hand side - both offering more stability to the formation than Nani.
Villa are still without Wilfred Bouma whilst Heskey picked up a fresh injury on International duty. This should see Agbonlahor reclaim his starting place up front alongside John Carew.
The Villains have taken 12 points from their last 6 away games (due to 2 defeats in their most recent 2 travels). They will look to bounce back from their heavy destruction at the hands of Liverpool and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Their is a lot riding on this game for both teams which should make for a cagey encounter. Both teams would have been grateful for the International break as their respective forms had started to deteriorate.
If there was ever a good time to face Manchester United, this is it. The Red Devils haven't been under this much pressure for a very long time and they are now without Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. Add this to the fact that Ferguson may be tempted to rest some players ahead of a huge midweek Champions League tie and you have the makings of a giant killing. Aston Villa will look to Barry, Ashley Young and Agbonlahor to set this game off at a high tempo and to try to catch United off guard. Manchester United will need World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to step up to the plate and prove his titles to be just. Carlos Tevez will need to erase Argentina's 6-1 demolition from his memory and to take his chances if and when they come.
Aston Villa's best angle of attack will be down the flanks (more specifically, their left). If Ashley Young can get room and break at the short-of-match-practice Gary Neville (or the incompetent back-up full back Wes Brown), he will more than likely possess to much skill and pace. This will allow the young English winger to either angle a high ball into John Carew or pull the ball back for the explosive Agbonlahor (10 goals this season). Young Jonny Evans may struggle to live with the presence of Villa's number 11 - calling upon the help of Rio Ferdinad - freeing up John Carew. Gareth Barry will not be able to dictate play as he usually likes to as United will pack the midfield when defending. Michael Carrick will be responsible for preventing his opposite number spreading the play out wide.
Prediction
Manchester United 1 : 1 Aston Villa
