Rooney and United target revenge at Villa

Aston Villa

• Villa are bidding for a fifth successive clean sheet.
• Martin O’Neill’s side has the best defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 18 goals in 24 games this season.
• Full back Wilfred Bouma is back in full training following a long-term toe problem.
• Villa beat Man United 1-0 at Old Trafford in December thanks to Gabriel Agbonlahor’s goal.

• Defender Stephen Warnock is out for at least another two weeks with a shin problem.
• Striker Emile Heskey is doubtful with a groin strain.
• Villa have won only one of their last seven league games.
• Midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is out for up to three months with an ankle stress fracture.
• Marlon Harewood will be sidelined until April with a broken metatarsal.

Manchester United

• Defender Nemanja Vidic could finally return after a month out through injury.
• England star Wayne Rooney has scored 14 goals in his last 12 league games.
• Rooney equalled his best ever tally for a season of 23 goals against Portsmouth at the weekend.
• Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has won their last five Premier League fixtures and seven out of the last eight.
• United’s defeat against Villa in December was their first in 27 games against them.

• Centre back Rio Ferdinand is unavailable as he serves the third game of a four-match ban.
• Defender John O’Shea is expected to be out until at least March with a thigh problem.

Expert Advice

After tasting defeat at home in December, United will know they will have their work cut out if they are register another victory and keep up the pressure on leaders Chelsea. Five successive wins has underlined how serious Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is about claiming a record fourth title in a row and they have a fantastic recent record against Aston Villa. But Martin O’Neill’s decision to strengthen his defence at the start of the season has paid instant dividends and Villa are likely to keep things very tight and allow the champions little room to manoeuvre. A fascinating clash appears in prospect but, with the game difficult to predict, Betsson’s price of 1.78 for there to be under 2.5 goals looks a sound bet.

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