What: English Premier League
Who: Aston Villa vs Manchester United
When: Saturday 3rd December, 2011, at 17.30 UK Time
Where: Villa Park, Birmingham, England

Villa Looking to End Home Hoodoo

The infamous “you win nothing with kids” match on the opening day of the 1995/96 Premier League campaign was the last occasion Aston Villa beat Manchester United on home soil in the league. Now it is Alex McLeish’s turn to try and end a hoodoo that has lasted for over 16 years. And with the Scot still struggling to win over a sceptical fanbase, victory over the Red Devils would go a long way to bringing the Villa supporters onside.

With captain Stylian Petrov a doubt, Jermaine Jenas could make his first start for the club following an injury hit start to his season-long loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur. McLeish may opt to inject more youth and vigour by bringing in Barry Bannan, a move which would also add some creativity to midfield.

Ferguson Still Looking for Big Response Following Manchester Derby Drubbing

Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly recommended Alex McLeish to the Villa board when they were searching for Gerard Houllier’s successor, but he will not be looking to dish out any more favours to his close friend when the Red Devils travel to Birmingham.

Even though Manchester United’s Premier League response to their 6-1 derby hammering by Manchester City has been good – three wins and a draw – the champions are no longer sweeping teams away with ease as in the early weeks of the campaign. There have also been a couple of shaky results in the Champions League, against Basel and Benfica respectively, as well as their recent League Cup exit at the hands of Crystal Palace.

And on a ground where Ferguson has an almost unblemished record as a manager, the Scot will be looking for his players to get that big result that will finally get the Manchester City thrashing out of their system.

Recent form

Aston Villa:
Aston Villa 3-2 Norwich City
(05/11; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Aston Villa (21/11; Premier League)
Swansea City 0-0 Aston Villa
(27/11; Premier League)

Manchester United:
Swansea City 0-1 Manchester United (19/11; Premier League)
Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle United (26/11; Premier League)
Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace (30/11; League Cup)

Key absences

Aston Villa: Stylian Petrov (doubt)

Manchester United: Anderson, Danny Welbeck, Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley

Players to watch

Aston Villa – Chris Herd: The young utility player has quickly become a key component in Aston Villa’s first team this season. After releasing Nigel Reo-Coker in the summer, the Villans were missing a ball-winning midfielder until Herd’s emergence earlier this autumn. His toughest test yet comes against the champions where he will be tasked with breaking up Manchester United’s attacks. Villa’s chances in this match lie heavily on the Australian’s shoulders.

Manchester United – Ashley Young: The former Aston Villa man should receive a warm reception from the Holte End on his return to the club where he developed from a promising young player to an England international. His former team-mates will also know, all too well, the threat the tricky winger poses. Expect Young not to celebrate if he scores.

Match Prediction

Alex McLeish is likely to adapt a conservative strategy with Darren Bent playing as a lone striker supported by Emile Heskey in an advanced midfield role and Gabriel Agbonlahor from the left. The onus will be on the visitors to break Aston Villa, who will sit back and defend in numbers, down.

Manchester United know only one way to play, home or away, and that is to attack. The movement of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez will be key,but with the Red Devils coming up against a dogged Villa, a 0-0 draw is not out of the question.


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