ASTON VILLA vs MANCHESTER UNITED - MATCH PREVIEW

By Ryan Ghee
August 19 2005

Aston Villa will face a tough task tomorrow as they travel to Old Trafford to play a team who they haven't beaten for almost six years.

Aston Villa team news: David O'Leary's preparations for the visit to Old Trafford have been dealt a major blow with the news that Kevin Phillips is unable to play. The new signing, who scored on his competetive debut last weekend, will miss out due to a stomach strain. Luke Moore is expected to take his place and partner Juan Pablo Angel in attack. Injury prone Martin Laursen is also an absentee as his long-term knee problem has flared up yet again. It is expected that O'Leary will choose to play Liam Ridgewell at the heart of the defence alongside Olof Mellberg. Patrik Berger and Mark Delaney both remain on the sidelines through injury with Lee Hendrie missing out due to suspension.

Manchester United team news: Sir Alex Ferguson has a near fully-fit squad to pick from for the visit of Aston Villa. Whilst Gabriel Heinze is looking to oust John O'Shea from left back, Ferguson must decide whether to start with Park Ji-Sung or Christiano Ronaldo on the left side of midfield.

History of this fixture: The history of this fixture is in favour of Manchester United with the Red Devils having won 14 of the last 16 meetings between the two teams. Aston Villa haven't won at Old Trafford since November 1983 and their last win over United was almost six years ago. Last season's corresponding fixture saw Manchester United beat Villa 3-1 with Ronaldo, Saha and Scholes scoring for the hosts and Barry grabbing Villa's consolation.

Match Betting: Manchester United win - 1/4
Aston Villa win - 9/1
Draw - 7/2
(According to Ladbrokes.com)