Manchester United V Aston Villa: 8 Bold Predictions

Manchester United and Aston Villa face off in the lone English Premier League fixture of Sunday, April 15.

While the FA Cup finalists will be set in the match to follow, United will be focused solely on taking maximum points against the Villains after slumping to a 1-0 defeat against Wigan Athletic during midweek.

Aston Villa have managed two draws in their last two matches, having gotten nearly the best of both Liverpool and Stoke City.

Alex McLeish will hope share his frustration by dishing out some of his own when his underdog side travel to Old Trafford.

Phil Jones

The young English defender was the difference in the last match against Aston Villa, and he could once again get in on the action as his runs from the back will create space for all those around him.

Jones also is a threat on corners, and there should be a good number of those with the Villains sure to be putting bodies behind the ball for most of the night.

Officials Disallow a Goal

As unfortunate as it is, officiating is never an exact science. The last few weeks have seen several incidences where poor decisions from match officials have cost one team or another the chance of at least securing a draw.

Manchester United enjoyed the rewards against Queens Park Rangers two weeks ago, and they could be the victims of those rewards this go around, as a crucial goal to United could be disallowed giving Villa a chance.

Villa Defense Give Up a Penalty

With Richard Dunne out, and both Stephen Warnock and Ciaran Clark 50/50 for a return, it is likely that the rag-tag defense are going to make a mistake.

Wayne Rooney Takes the Penalty

When it comes to players you want taking a spot kick, Wayne Rooney is one of the dead-on shooters that comes to mind.

The young Englishman is one of the best penalty takers in the EPL, never mind a slip or two.

However, sometimes that level of knowing you're that good can be a drawback.

Shay Given Proves His Worth

Every keeper has his date with destiny when the official points to the spot.

Veteran Shay Given has seen his fair share of penalties blasted by him this season.

That being said, he is due for a sensational block, and he could just get that is he is called to defend his goal in a one-on-one.

United Veterans Make the Difference

Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs continue to prove that age is just a number.

I expect both of the veterans to play and have a major impact on the result with at least a goal or assist between the two of them.

Power of the Underdog

Aston Villa have the majority of their best players out injured.

However, that plays into their hands as at the moment they really have nothing to lose or gain from the victory other than pride, and that makes them extremely dangerous.

Andreas Weimann

In the two games that Andres Weimann has scored in for Aston Villa, the club have failed to lose.

At 20 years of age, the young Austrian has managed to give a little hope in times of need so far this season, and it would be the icing on the cake for Villa fans if the youngster were to net the winner over Manchester United.

Conclusion

Aston Villa are in line for a chance to be giant killers, and heroes to Manchester City fans if the Citizens can survive their tough test against Norwich City.

United will be out for blood after a frustrating loss, but I expect a great match.

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