Whilst they will realise that they are playing host to the league’s form side, Villa will only be concentrating on taking all three points for the third time in four matches. The Birmingham based outfit has only conceded four goals in the last six outings, which was the platform for their early season success.
One man who has been key to this turnaround is the Villans’ shot stopper Brad Guzan. The USA international, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, has averaged 2.6 saves per goal conceded, and will look to increase that ratio once more with a third clean sheet in Villa’s impressive seven game run.
Up top, Andreas Weimann still remains a big threat and great option for Villa, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index proves. The Austrian international forward has scored three times this season and his pace will pose a massive problem, having hit a top speed of 34km/h so far this season. He is 41/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Another impressive performer so far this season has been Ciaran Clarke, as illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The 25 year old Irish defender has made 12 tackles so far this season, winning 75% of them. He has also made 15 interceptions so far this season, illustrating his improvement in ability to read the play.
Last weekend saw Manchester United become the first team to claim six victories in a row, and this weekend will see them look to go for number seven. Their last six games have seen them score 13 goals and concede an average of a goal every other game, and they will look to keep that impressive form at both ends going.
At the back, David De Gea is a keeper in exceptional form and has played a big part in his side keeping three clean sheets in their six straight wins. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the Spain international has averaged 2.76 saves per goal conceded so far this season, and will be looking to keep his sixth clean sheet of the season.
In the middle of the park, Juan Mata has started to really find his feet this season, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates. Mata has scored his five goals from just 11 shots this season, converting 45.4% of his shots. He has now covered 131.78km and will look to out-run and out-maneuver his opponents once more this weekend.
Up top, Robin van Persie has more than closed the door on his critics, as the EA SPORTS player Performance Index can testify to. Van Persie has taken his tally to seven goals for the season, also showing off his hard working nature by winning 71.4% of his 21 tackles so far this season. However, it is offensively where he is likely to have the biggest impact on the game, and he is 23/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Team News:
Louis van Gaal has a mixed news on the injury front. Argentina internationals Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo are back in first team training but the Villa clash might be too soon for the duo. However, there are chances that LVG might start them from the bench. Meanwhile, the likes of Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Daley Blind are still out of action.
For Villa, however, the absentees list stands tall with eight players either suspended or injured. The major concern for Paul Lambert would be the trio of Alan Hutton, Kieran Richardson and Tom Cleverley, who are all banned for the game.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Possible Lineups:
Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Delph, N’Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Evans, Young; Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, Rooney; van Persie, Wilson
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Match Facts:
- Villa are vying to register successive home wins for the first time since March.
- They have lost half of their last 60 home games in the Premier League and only averaged a point per game at Villa Park during that run (W15, D15, L30).
- Their tally of 10 goals this season is the lowest in the top four divisions, and their lowest in the top flight after 16 matches.
- Manchester United are the Premier League’s form team with six successive wins. They last won seven games in a row between January-March 2013 during Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season in charge.
- They have won consecutive away games in the league, having started the season with three draws and two defeats.
- Louis van Gaal’s side have opened the scoring in 11 Premier League games this season, the joint most with Swansea and Chelsea.
Facts compiled from BBC
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Prediction:
A 1-2 win for the away side.
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.