Manchester United v Aston Villa: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Alan Dymock
Monday 22 April 2013 14:32 BST
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Following Manchester City's loss to Tottenham yesterday - United can clinch the Premier League title with victory over Aston Villa. But will it be straightforward for the champions elect?

Speculation surrounding the future of Wayne Rooney persists; Roberto Mancini hinted at a fear at the heart of United; they had to fire an offside equaliser against West Ham last week. And when you consider that Villa have won four and drawn one in their last eight outings – taking 13 points out of a possible 24 – this match does not look quite so easy.

United will be pleased that Robin van Persie is back amongst the goals and midfielder Michael Carrick will be buoyed by his nomination for PFA Player of the Year. Yet they face a team tonight with just as much to play for. With the teams above them picking up good results this weekend, every point now counts for Paul Lambert's relegation threatened side.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 2 (Weimann 2) Man United 3 (Hernandez 2, Vlar OG), Premier League, November 2012

Man United 4 (Rooney 2, Welbeck, Nani) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, April 2012

Aston Villa 0 Man United 1 (Jones), Premier League, December 2011

STATS…

Manchester United have won 13 points this season in games that they were losing.

Christian Benteke has scored 15 goals in thirteen games, scoring one goal every two games. He failed to score against Fulham in Villa’s last outing, but scored the week before against Stoke.

There have been 19 different goal scorers for United in the Premier League season.

Villa have scored in five consecutive Premier League matches. The only team to score more is United, who have scored in 21 consecutive matches.

Villa have only won three of their 39 matches against United since 1992.

ODDS…

Man United to win: 1.27

Aston Villa to win: 14

Draw: 6.8

TV: Live on Sky Sports, 8pm

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