13/04/2012 11:57 - ManUtd.com, Mark Froggatt
Preview: United v Villa
Form guide
United’s shock defeat to Wigan Athletic*on Monday allowed*Manchester City to close the gap at the top to just five points with five games remaining and ended the Reds' 12-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League. Sir Alex’s men still control their own fate, though, and three points on Sunday would move the champions one step closer to securing a 20th top-flight title. Aston Villa are on a poor run of form and are*placed dangerously close the relegation zone, having won just one of their last 10 matches. Yet the Villains*might be inspired*by*their 1-0 win at Old Trafford in 2009.
Ins and outs
The boss opted to rest Paul Scholes and Rafael for the*trip to the DW Stadium, so both are likely to feature on Sunday. Scholes certainly will, according to Sir Alex. Danny Welbeck might also regain his starting position after impressing from the bench against the Latics, while Nani is also in contention after he made*a successful*return from injury. Villa have a lengthy list of absentees including Stephen Warnock, Darren Bent and Richard Dunne. Other first-team regulars Marc Albrighton and Chris Herd are also unavailable, while Stilian Petrov is taking an indefinite break from football*through illness.
Last meeting
Phil Jones scored his first goal in senior football as*United sealed a closely fought win at Villa Park and a fourth 1-0 win in five Premier League games. The match was marred by a series of off-the-ball injuries, though,*which saw Javier Hernandez, Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas all depart the pitch on a stretcher.
Opposition boss
Alex McLeish spent most of his 16-year playing career with Aberdeen, where he made 500 appearances and lifted the Cup Winners’ Cup under Alex Ferguson. "Big Eck", as he’s affectionately known, was always likely to enter management and successful spells with Motherwell, Hibs and Rangers eventually led to the Scotland job, before moving to England to take charge of Birmingham. McLeish then angered both sides of the city by taking the vacant Aston Villa job, where he is currently fighting against relegation.
Star man
In the absence of injured striker Darren Bent, Villa’s scoring responsibilities have fallen to local boy and new club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor. With raw pace and guile, the England international can pose a threat to any defence, although his record this season is not the most impressive, having netted just five times in 28 appearances.
Quote/unquote
“It’s always strange when I play against United. When I was in Manchester City’s youth team, I got extra nervous before playing against them and I still do even now.” – Stephen Ireland
Whistle blower
Referees have been at the centre of attention in recent weeks following a couple of controversial decisions, although experienced official Mark Halsey will undoubtedly be unfazed by his appointment for this fixture.*Interestingly, the Lancastrian is yet to send a player off this season in the 27 games he's refereed.
Sub-plots
By the time United kick off on Sunday the Reds' lead at the top*may have shrunk*to two points as a result of Manchester City’s midday clash with Norwich on Saturday. Should Sir Alex's men not win,*then*all roads lead to the Etihad Stadium and what could be a title-deciding Manchester derby on 30 April.
Rivals watch
With Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham all contesting FA Cup semi-finals, Barclays Premier League action is at a premium. As mentioned, Roberto Mancini’s men travel to Carrow Road, while*Arsenal face Wigan at the DW Stadium on Monday.
