Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Premier League match preview
A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford
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Your support makes all the difference.David Moyes will look to ease the pressure surrounding his position this weekend as his Manchester United side play host to Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa, who haven’t won away from Villa Park since New Year’s Day.
After appearing to turn a corner in a difficult first season at the club, Moyes’ position at Old Trafford has come under even more increasing scrutiny following the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of local rivals Manchester City. With all hope of securing fourth spot surely gone, the Scot will be hoping to turn Old Trafford back into the fortress it once was and edge closer to a Europa League spot.
Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa side have not won at Old Trafford since August 1983 and are in a relatively rich vein of form despite last week’s defeat to Stoke. The Villains know that a rare three points in Manchester will all but secure they’re Premier League survival for another season.
Manchester United will again be without Robin van Persie due to a knee injury the striker sustained in the Champions League last-16 second leg win over Olympiakos. However, there is positive news for the reds as captain Nemanja Vidic is expected to return from a two match suspension.
There are no fresh injury worries for Aston Villa, Libor Kozak and Jores Okore remain their only two long term absentees.
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 3 (Welbeck 2, Cleverley), December 2013
Manchester United 3 (Van Persie 3) Aston Villa 0, April 2013
Aston Villa 2 (Weimann 2) Manchester United 3 (Hernandez 2, Vlaar o.g), November 2012
STATS…
Wayne Rooney has not scored a Premier League goal at Old Trafford since the 26 October 2013, a 3-2 win over Stoke City.
However, Rooney has netted 8 times in his last 12 league meetings with the Villains.
Aston Villa have only recorded three league victories over Manchester United in the Premier League era and have not won at Old Trafford for nearly 31 years.
ODDS…
Find odds using Betfair.com – always write them as decimals.
Manchester United to win: 1.49
Aston Villa to win: 8.4
Draw: 4.6
TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 12.45pm, highlights on BBC 1 at 10.30pm.
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