David de Gea, Wayne Rooney and company displayed a top performance last Sunday at home to Liverpool. It was arguably their best collective play since the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. Things are finally coming good under Louis van Gaal and the team could clinch its seventh successive win at Villa Park. However, the hosts are ready to test their opponents’ foundation. How solid is it?
One thing to watch out for his the Benteke Factor.
A couple of years ago, Belgium striker Christian Benteke made a huge statement with a top show against Manchester United. Aston Villa lost 3-2 but it was obvious that they made the visitors sweat to snatch a win.
Benteke was instrumental in that game and ended up scoring 23 goals for the Villans on his debut season. He quickly caught the attention of big sides in Europe and requested for a transfer before penning a new contract at Villa Park.
But the 24-year-old has been unfortunate this year, tearing his Achilles in training and missing the entire World Cup due to that. Without pre-season football, the forward has found it difficult to gel with his team and get back to performing as well as he used to. Could Saturday’s clash at home to the Red Devils kick-start his season?
“It’s not just about scoring but about playing the way I want. I can definitely get better,” he declared before analysing this weekend’s match:
“[Manchester] United are the favourites on paper and we have to respect them but the respect stops on the pitch.
“We still need to fight for ourselves and our families who come to watch us. That is something you need to motivate you.”
Aston Villa must indeed fight for their lives. They seat uncomfortably in 13th position with 19 points, 10 places below Manchester United who are gradually transforming into genuine Premier League title contenders.
Ahead of Matchday 17, the Red Devils possess 31 points – eight behind leaders Chelsea (39) and five behind current champions Manchester City (36). Clinching three points away to Aston Villa, in the last round of the campaign before Christmas, would be massive.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Starting Lineups
Aston Villa's lineup: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar (c), Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Delph, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.
Manchester United's lineup: De Gea, Jones, Carrick, Evans, Valencia, Fletcher, Mata, Rooney, Young, RvP, Falcao.
Aston Villa's Subs: Given, Bacuna, Herd, N'Zogbia, Robinson, Grealish, Calder.
Manchester United's Subs:Lindegaard, Blackett, McNair, Rafael, Di Maria, Januzaj, Wilson.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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