Saturday 4 April 2015 14:30, UK
Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford aiming to strengthen their place in the top four of the Premier League.
United are five points clear of fifth-place Liverpool with eight games remaining, and face a Villa side with just one win in 38 against the Red Devils.
Tim Sherwood's side are three points clear of the drop zone after claiming two straight wins before they fell to Swansea before the international period.
Christian Benteke and Radamel Falcao scored as the sides shared a 1-1 draw at Villa Park in December.
Team news
Robin van Persie (ankle) has been ruled out of a return in Saturday's clash, while the suspended Jonny Evans remains unavailable for the hosts, while Chris Smalling is a doubt after being forced off during England’s midweek clash with Italy.
Marcos Rojo came on late against Liverpool and could be in contention for a start, but Louis van Gaal could name the same side that won 2-1 at Anfield.
Villa have Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos, Tom Cleverley and Joe Cole all back in training, while Sherwood will also assess the knee injury suffered by defender Jores Okore ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
There are doubts surrounding Aly Cissokho (groin) and Nathan Baker (knee) and United loanee Tom Cleverley is ineligible.
Opta facts
Manchester United have 31 Premier League wins against Aston Villa, the joint-most of any team against any opponent in the history of the competition (along with Man Utd v Everton).
Wayne Rooney has scored 12 goals against Aston Villa, his joint-highest tally against any opponent in Premier League history along with Newcastle United.
Aston Villa are the only side in the Premier League this season yet to see a substitute score or assist a single one of their goals.
Rooney has scored eight goals in his last six Premier League games at Old Trafford against the Villans, netting four braces.
Merson's prediction
I have to give credit where credit is due, Manchester United were absolutely outstanding against Liverpool. They gave Rodgers’ side the run around at Anfield and the home side were never in the match. That was testament to United’s performance and I’m backing them to keep that level up at home to Aston Villa.
Tim Sherwood’s men had a bad result against Swansea when the expectation was on them to win and despite the pressure being off when they make the trip to Old Trafford, I can’t see them getting anything.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Manchester United are odds-on to maintain their top-four push with three points over Aston Villa, who are 10/1 underdogs at Old Trafford. That makes United 30/100 favourites, with a draw priced up at 4/1 with Sky Bet. Marouane Fellaini is enjoying a return to form for both club and country, and the Belgian is 7/4 to score at any stage and 15/8 to score in a home win. Incidentally, following their win over Liverpool, United are 2/7 to finish in the top-four. At the other end of the table, Villa’s relegation odds have lengthened to 9/2 following two wins in their last three league games.
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