 | #2. Aston Villa versus Manchester UnitedLocation: Villa Park (Birmingham)Date: Saturday, November 13 Time: 7:45 a.m. Eastern Records (W-D-L, +/-, Place): Villa, 4-4-4, -3, 10th United, 6-6-0, +11, 2nd |  |
English Premier League, Matchday 13 Preview: Which Aston Villa Players Are Healthy Enough To Stop Manchester United?
After finally scoring multiple goals in a match, Aston Villa’s not going to be happy to see Manchester United come to Villa Park. But when are the Lions ever happy to play Manchester United? Though they beat United at Old Trafford in December 2009, that was the only time Villa have beaten the Devils since August 1995.
I wish I could tell Villans that Saturday will be different, but in addition to the U.S.-based supporters having to listen to Ian Darke (who will patronize you with the favorite colors of Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj), Villa will be without their top three choices in central midfield. Given the passing game United displayed on Wednesday, injuries in the midfield couldn't be more ill-timed.
Add in a Villa central defense that looked shaky against Blackpool and you see almost all the match-ups favoring Manchester United. There are, however, two silver linings.
First, Manchester United will be missing a number of players who featured mid-week against City. Paul Scholes is suspended. Rafael da Silva is out and Patrice Evra is a doubt. Rio Ferdinand may not make the quick turnaround, and Alex Ferguson may be wary of wearing down Park Ji-Sung on a thin left wing.
Second, Manchester United has had similar match-up advantages over other teams yet come into this match with as many draws as wins. For a team that always has edges on-paper, Manchester United’s not getting enough wins.
Probable Lineup, Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel / L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock / Albrighton, Bannan, Clark, Downing / A Young, Agbonlahor
Probable Lineup, Manchester United (4-4-2): Van der Sar / Brown, Vidic, Evans, O’Shea / Nani, Carrick, Fletcher, Park / Berbatov, Hernández
Key Matchup: Stars of tomorrow are often weaknesses of today, and there's no other way to look at Gerard Houllier's central midfield pair. With Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark in midfield, Manchester United has a huge advantage. Even without Scholes, United should give this pair trouble by dropping Berbatov off the line, playing the ball to his feet while Park and Fletcher run off him, Javier Hernández trying to find space behind the line. Playing the ball from that position back to Michael Carrick could give the veteran holder a number of targets within Villa's defense.
Battle Within The Battle: Houllier would be happy with a draw, and with the ability to use Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor on the counter, it will often look like Villa's playing for one. Houllier needs to get his team to buy into the plan, believe they can hold-out, but also be willing to play long balls to the flanks, allowing Gabby and Ash to use their speed to beat United's fullbacks and stretch out the defense.
Pick: United continues to give us reason to think they’re more than mere title contenders: 0-2 (Berbatov 36’, Park 50’).
Unresolved Question: With Agbonlahor back, the Gaby and Ash forward pairing seems most likely. Still, you can't help but wonder if having Young on the right wing and starting Nathan Delfouneso wouldn't be the better approach. Which position would be best for Young (and Agbonlahor) against United? Right wing (with Gaby as a supporting striker)? Or part of a forward tandem? Let us know n the comments, below.
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