vs
Aston Villa v Man UtdAston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner has shaken off a groin problem, but striker John Carew (knee) is still out. Carew has started rehabilitation work after being absent for one month with knee ligament damage.
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves (tendinitis) is still two weeks away from a comeback. Gary Neville (calf) and Louis Saha (knee) are also out, but John O'Shea (thigh) and Nemanja Vidic (concussion), should be available.
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill on trying to beat United at Villa Park for the first time in 11 yeras:"There is unquestionably a confidence about the side and the win against Fulham was so important. "That gave us the confidence to go and take Chelsea on. "They are showing a bit of vibrancy and panache. I always look forward to games but I feel as if we have a chance."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on his players' motivation:"There have been a few disappointments, with Scotland, Ireland and England but the situation's not unusual. "The beauty of football is that you always have the next game in which to rectify what happened in the last one. "Sometimes it's seven days, sometimes four. But you can always get over these things quickly."
KEY PLAYER NOTES
ASTON VILLAGabriel AGBONLAHOR, Gareth BARRY, Olof MELLBERG and Ashley YOUNG have all been on the field for every minute of every one of Villa's Premier League games this season. AGBONLAHOR and Shaun MALONEY are Villa's joint leading scorers, with three goals each.
MANCHESTER UNITEDRONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with four goals, and the clubs leading marksman in the Premier League, with three. RONALDO has scored five Premier League goals for United against Villa, including three last season.
HEAD TO HEAD at Villa only
League (inc PL): 32 wins, Man United 24, Draws 18
Prem: Villa 2 wins, Man United 10, Draws 3
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAMEAston Villa 0-3 Manchester United
23 December 2006 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Man United scorers: Ronaldo 58, Scholes 64, Ronaldo 85
REFEREERob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)
Oh no that idiot Rob Styles again... That Chelsea fan..