Man United vs Aston Villa
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick off: 3pm
Manchester United will be hoping to pick up where they left off prior to the international break when they welcome relegation-threatened Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Saturday (today).
Louis van Gaal’s side dispatched of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in their last two games to consolidate their position in the top four of the Premier League, but this weekend represents a different kind of test as they host a Villa side in need of the points in their fight against the drop.
The Red Devils are finding top gear at just the right time.
The results have been good throughout most of Van Gaal’s debut season in charge and now the performances are there to accompany them.
Eight points to leaders Chelsea is a gap even more improbably cut, but there may be a sense of frustration among United’s fans that a title tilt would have been possible had this notable upturn happened just a few weeks sooner.
Nevertheless, a top-four finish has always been Van Gaal’s public aim in his first season in the job and victory over Villa, which would mark a fifth successive league success, would take them one step closer to that target.
Three wins from three during March earned the Dutchman a nod for Premier League Manager of the Month, while Fellaini’s goals and overall nuisance to opposition defences has seen him nominated for Player of the Month.
Meanwhile, Villa boss, Tim Sherwood, and striker Gabriel Agbonlahor are also up for those respective awards following a month in which the Midlands side clicked under their new manager to strengthen their survival chances.
A derby triumph over West Bromwich Albion and a 4-0 away thrashing of Sunderland sandwiched an FA Cup quarter-final win over the Baggies and saw the Villans climb from 19th to the safe ground of 16th in the table.
Considering their recent improvement, conceding a late winner at home to Swansea City a fortnight ago would have irked Sherwood, who is well aware that the Premier League ever-presents remain firmly in the relegation mix, only three points above water.
Difficult fixtures await them too, with another trip to Manchester to face the champions and a spicy visit to former club Tottenham Hotspur to follow next week’s crucial home game against fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers.
A positive result at Old Trafford would be a boost and a bonus ahead of their showdown with the Hoops.
Man United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind; Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini; Young, Mata, Rooney
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Hutton; N’Zogbia, Sanchez, Delph, Sinclair; Benteke, Agbonlahor.
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