Manchester United will find it difficult to win away at Aston Villa and keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table.
Aston Villa have enjoyed a much better record when they have played in front of their own supporters this season. This is a fixture that they have done well in throughout past years and they will be hoping for more of the same in this contest. Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is under a little bit of pressure at the moment and a win would take the pressure away from himself and the club. Aston Villa are 19/4 with Victor Chandler for the win.
Manchester United know they have to keep winning and have to keep the pressure on Manchester City because the gap of five points will already be too big as far as they’re concerned. Manchester United have a good record on the road this season with some big wins in hostile atmosphere. They will also want to react well after only managing a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United over the weekend. United are odds on with Skybet and Paddy Power at 8/11.
A lot of the emphasis in this game is going to be on Aston Villa making something happen over the 90 minutes. They will see a lot of the ball and will be hoping that the chances follow without having to change their tactics too much. There are also going to be spells when they don’t see the ball for a long time and these are the patches when the defence has to hold firm and keep a clean sheet. Aston Villa to win the match 2-1 is 18/1 with Boylesports.
Manchester United may have to counter attack initially but they will be hoping this is only a temporary problem before they get the chance to stamp their authority all over the match. United are very good when they are allowed to keep the ball for long periods of time and they will grind Aston Villa down if they are allowed to retain possession. United to win 2-0 away from home is 15/2 with Unibet.
Darren Bent is the main man in the Aston Villa attack and he’ll be hoping to be a thorn in the side of this United team. Bent is one of the highest scoring English forwards over the last two seasons and he is a player that United will have to be very aware of. Bent is quick and plays on the very shoulder of the defence which means he is often in the perfect position to run in behind the opposition. He is 13/2 across the market.
Wayne Rooney is just returning to full fitness and he will be chomping at the bit to start in the United side and try to score goals which will help the team over the rest of the season. Rooney is a physical player who will allow the side to dominate in terms of possession and territory. Rooney is 22/5 with Victor Chandler.
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