The Busby Babe - Storystream: Aston Villa 2-3 Manchester UnitedWhere it's always squeaky bum timehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51377/tbb-fav.png2012-11-11T08:00:04+00:00http://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33865832012-11-11T08:00:04+00:002012-11-11T08:00:04+00:00Statistics & Post-Match Quotes | AVFC 2-3 MUFC
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>Statistics and post-match quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson and Javier Hernandez (Chicharito). </p> <p align="center"><b>TEAM STATISTICS</b></p>
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<p><span></span> <span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">The Busby Babe</i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a><br></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><b>United</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Shots (on target)</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">8 (3) </span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">19 (5) </span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Total Passes Completed</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">219</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">600</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Passing Accuracy</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">76%</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">89%</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Ball Possession</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">30%</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">70%</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Tackles won</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">17<span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; white-space: pre; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"></span></span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">14</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Interceptions</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">28</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" align="left" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">8</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Fouls</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">14</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">8</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Corners</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">5</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">6</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Offsides</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">14</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">8</span></font></td>
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<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><b>MUFC PLAYER STATISTICS</b></p>
<p align="left"><b>* David de Gea (goalkeeper): </b>9/15 passing (60%), 2 goals conceded, 1 save</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Chris Smalling</span> (right-center-back): </b>32/37 passing (86%), 5/8 long balls, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 14 clearances (9 effective), 0 shots blocked, 1 foul</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> (left-center-back): </b>48/52 passing (92%), 3/3 long balls, 1 tackle, 0 interceptions, 4 clearances (1 effective), 0 shots blocked, 1 foul</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Rafael (right-back): </b>40/46 passing (87%), 1 chance created, 2/10 crosses, 4/5 long balls, 1 successful dribble, 3 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 clearances (1 effective), 0 shots blocked, 1 foul</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Patrice Evra</span> (left-back): </b>42/46 passing (91%), 1 chance created, 0/3 crosses, 2/2 long balls, 1 successful dribble, 4 tackles, 0 interceptions, 9 clearances (8 effective), 1 shot blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Michael Carrick</span> (central-midfielder): </b>119/133 passing (89%), 1 chance created, 0/0 crossing, 8/11 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 1 shot (1 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Paul Scholes</span> (central-midfielder | substituted off 72'): </b>98/106 passing (92%), 2 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 14/17 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 2 tackles, 0 interceptions, 2 shots (0 on target), <i><b>1 assist</b></i></p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Antonio Valencia</span> (right-winger): </b>50/55 passing (91%), 2 chances created, 2 chance created, 3/12 crosses, 3/4 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 3 successful dribbles, 1 foul won, 0 tackles, 0 interceptions, 2 shots (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Ashley Young</span> (left-winger | substituted off 45'): </b>22/24 passing (92%), 0 chances created, 0/2 crosses, 0/0 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 2 fouls won, 0 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 shot (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Wayne Rooney</span> (secondary striker | substituted off 79'): </b>51/59 passing (86%), 1 chance created, 1/5 crosses, 3/3 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 interceptions, 1 tackle, 0 interceptions 4 shots (2 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Robin van Persie (striker): </b>36/45 passing (80%), 6 chances created, 4/8 crosses, 5/5 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 1 successful dribble, 0 fouls won, 4 shots (0 on target), <i><b>1 assist</b></i></p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Javier Hernandez</span> (striker | substituted on 45'): </b>15/16 passing (94%), 0 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 2/3 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 3 shots (2 on target), <i><b>2 goals</b></i></p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Tom Cleverley</span> (central-midfielder/left-sided midfielder | substituted on 72'): </b>25/25 passing (100%), 1 chance created, 1/2 crosses, 0/0 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 1 tackle, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Anderson (central-midfielder | substituted on 79'): </b>12/13 passing (92%), 0 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 1/1 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="center"><b>POST-MATCH QUOTES</b></p>
<p align="left"><b><span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> | MUFC manager </b>(courtesy of <i>Sky Sports</i>)</p>
<p>(On Chicharito's match-wining performance...) "As I have been saying for the last few weeks, he's fresh as he had a good summer break and it's made a difference to him. <i></i>When he came to us two years ago, that's what we're seeing again today and, when you score a hat-trick, you pick yourself. I think he'll be playing next week. He does his natural thing. He's fantastic in the penalty box with his movement, his quickness and being in space and that has got him three goals today."</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts...) "It's an absolutely magnificent result for us, it was a magnificent game, I must say that. Aston Villa played fantastic today, they've run their socks off and you have to feel sorry for them, with the effort they put in. But we never give in. We hit the bar twice. Once we lost the second goal, we came alive. It was a fantastic game."</p>
<p>(On improving after a poor start...) "We were careless in the first half with no real tempo to our game. We hadn't had a shot on goal so we had to improve on that and we did. I was disappointed to lose the second goal like that, when a player goes unmarked into your penalty box, but I started to think if we got a goal we could change the game and, once we scored, it did. We get inspired with the support we have and the challenge of coming from two-down to win the game is there for us. We didn't let ourselves down in that respect - we really did put in a shift in the second half to sort ourselves out - as did Villa. But we did put pressure on ourselves today, even though we got through it, and I think it's a little lesson that we really need to be defending better. I think I admire the team and the tenacity of the performance. When they need to do it, they do it and the attacking play is terrific at times."</p>
<p>(On Rooney sustaining a knock...) "Rooney got an ankle knock and he's got some ice on it. <i></i>We'll see what it's like tomorrow."</p>
<p><b>Javier Hernandez | MUFC striker </b>(courtesy of <i>MUTV</i>)</p>
<p>(On United's 2nd goal officially being an own goal...) " I’ve seen the replay and I think it’s going on target. The defender tried to get it away but I think he kicked it in the same direction as I shot."</p>
<p>(On the winner and the result...) "It felt unbelievable to score the winner. But the most important thing is we get the three points and we’re still on the top with a four-point gap. We’re very happy."</p>
<p>(What were the instructions to him when he came on at half...) "To do my best, to do the things I have been doing in my last few games and on the training ground as well. I try to do that every time, to help my team with a lot of effort and to do the things I have done today."</p>
<p>(On quickly pulling one back after Villa went 2-0 up...) "I think it was very important. Sometimes you can score late as well and get the three points and that’s part of the game, but thankfully we recovered quickly after they got the second one. In the history of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, we never want to give up until the end. The game is for 90 minutes and you need to play until the last minute. We need to improve because we’re conceding a lot of goals but thankfully we got the three points. I have a lot of best moments with this club and this is one of them."</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/11/3629024/statistics-post-match-quotes-aston-villa-2-3-manchester-united-chicharitoGene Um2012-11-10T20:05:22+00:002012-11-10T20:05:22+00:00Aston Villa 2-3 MUFC -- Chicharito to the rescue
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QEnOMyueSWqjOzG5vkHsBuoOSiI=/0x205:2923x2154/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3021877/155984686.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Chicharito. Chicharito. Chicharito!</p> <p>Ahead of this match, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> had won four times this season by a 3-2 scoreline. Today added to that tally. In what has become all too familiar (and worrisome), the Red Devils were quite rubbish early. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> took the lead just before half-time when <span>Christian Benteke</span> brushed <span>Chris Smalling</span> aside near the touchline and picked out <span>Andreas Weimann</span> for a first-time finish. The home side went into the break up 1-0 and most thought, perhaps, that that might wake United up. They came out of half-time still snoozing. <span>Stephen Ireland</span> released Gabriel Agbonlahor down the left flank in the 50th minute and the attacker picked out Weimann in the box for his second goal. It felt familiar. It felt dire. But no one counted United out.</p>
<p><span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> made an astute substitution at half-time by bringing on <span>Javier Hernandez</span> (Chicharito) for <span>Ashley Young</span> -- and this was at the ground where the latter plied his trade for four season prior to joining United. <span>Paul Scholes</span> had some troubles in this match but he picked out the Mexican international with a lovely ball in the 58th minute and the striker clinically finished. Minutes later, in the 63rd minute to be precise, Rafael sent in a cross and it was Chicharito that volleyed at the far-post and the ball ended up in the back of the net after a <span>Ron Vlaar</span> deflection. We were level. It only seemed like a matter of time before United would find the winner</p>
<p>About ten minutes after the equaliser, <span>Robin van Persie</span> hit the woodwork -- twice within a minute! United were still open in the back but David de Gea came up big when he needed to -- both with tremendous saves and with good command on crosses. In the 87th minute, in a moment that felt inevitable, Chicharito came to the rescue and found the winner on a header from a RvP free-kick. Three points to United. Top of the table still. And Chicha, you are the most adorable assassin ever. It's a shame that the second goal wasn't awarded to the Little Pea.</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3628060/post-match-reaction-thread-aston-villa-2-3-manchester-united-chicharitoGene Um2012-11-10T16:30:06+00:002012-11-10T16:30:06+00:00Live Match Thread: Aston Villa vs. United
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sbw8Jwf0NAi7IRP1nj4EGUZwo2s=/0x4:4000x2671/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2972499/155061912.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Rose</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join us, if you fancy it, for our live match thread!</p> <p align="center"><b>KO: </b>5:30pm GMT, 12:30pm EST | Villa Park</p>
<p align="center"><b>LIVE TV: </b>Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), FOX Soccer (U.S.)</p>
<p align="center"><b>WEATHER: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://uk.weather.com/weather/today-Birmingham-UKXX0018?fromSearch=true">Birmingham, England</a></p>
<p align="center"><b>MATCH PREVIEW: </b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/11/9/3619644/preview-aston-villa-vs-manchester-united">The Busby Babe</a></i></p>
<p align="center"><b>REFEREE: </b>Kevin Friend</p>
<p align="center"><b>ODDS: </b>Aston Villa 5/1, Draw 10/3, Manchester United 1/2</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3624626/live-match-thread-aston-villa-vs-manchester-unitedGene Um2012-11-09T17:29:59+00:002012-11-09T17:29:59+00:00Preview: Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of the Aston Villa versus Manchester United clash at Villa Park: form guide, team news, lineup projections, tactics, TV info, referee appointment, and odds. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> trek south to Villa Park for a Saturday evening Premier League clash with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a>. These two sides met twice last season and during this same fixture in December, a <span>Phil Jones</span> first-half strike was enough for a 1-0 United victory. In the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in April, a <span>Wayne Rooney</span> brace led the Red Devils to a comfortable 4-0 defeat of the Villans. United are unbeaten in their past sixteen matches at Villa Park.</p>
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<p><b>MANCHESTER UNITED</b></p>
<p><i><b>Form Guide</b></i><b>: </b>United enter the weekend top of the Premier League table with 24 points from 10 matches. They are a point clear of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> and two clear of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>. Since the loss to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> in late September, United have won seven successive matches in the competitions that anybody cares about (Premier League and UEFA Champions League). Their most recent victories occurred on Wednesday versus Portuguese side SC Braga on Wednesday and versus <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> last Saturday. The Red Devils have already clinched top of their Champions League group with two group fixtures to spare.</p>
<p><i><b>Team News</b></i><b>: </b>Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, <span>Shinji Kagawa</span>, and Nani have been ruled out for this match while <span>Jonny Evans</span> is a doubt. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/11/9/3622416/manchester-united-team-news-for-aston-villa-nani-out-jonny-evans-a-doubt">Full Team News Report</a>)</p>
<p><b>ASTON VILLA</b></p>
<p><i><b>Form Guide</b></i><b>: </b>Villa currently sit 17th in the table with 9 points from 10 matches and they currently are 4 points clear of the relegation zone. If you include the Captial One Cup, <span>Paul Lambert's</span> side have won two successive matches while they are unbeaten in their past two league fixtures as well. Their most recent match occurred last weekend when they defeated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.</p>
<p><i><b>Team News</b></i><b>: </b>There are a plethora of injuries in the squad: <span>Darren Bent</span>, <span>Charles N'Zogbia</span>, <span>Gary Gardner</span>, and <span>Richard Dunne</span> are out for the match while the likes of <span>Joe Bennett</span>, <span>Chris Herd</span>, and <span>Nathan Baker</span> are all doubts.</p>
<p><b>PROJECTING LINEUPS</b></p>
<p><i><b>United</b></i><b>: </b>Villa are a side where winning the midfield battle against isn't a huge concern and they also like to use width. Therefore, it may be best to anticipate <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> not using a diamond shape and instead, he likely opts for a system that uses wide attackers -- such as in a 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. In goal, either David de Gea or <span>Anders Lindegaard</span> will feature while <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> will be partnered by either Evans or <span>Chris Smalling</span> in central-defense. Expect Rafael at right-back and <span>Patrice Evra</span> at left-back. It's possible, thought, that Alexander Buttner could rotate in and give the latter a rest.</p>
<p>In midfield, <span>Michael Carrick</span> is certain and he could be partnered by either <span>Tom Cleverley</span> or <span>Paul Scholes</span> in a midfield duo. Something to factor in is that the latter hasn't featured in a few weeks while Cleverley could be possibly be used next Wednesday for England's friendly with Sweden. If a midfield trio is used, Rooney or Fletcher are possible as well. Anderson and <span>Ryan Giggs</span> are likely to be rested after both went the full 90 minutes on Wednesday night in Portugal.</p>
<p>In attack, Robin van Persie will be the fulcrum in attack while Rooney likely plays in behind him. If Wazza is given a rest, then <span>Danny Welbeck</span> is possible to partner RvP. Out wide, <span>Antonio Valencia</span> is the anticipated right-winger while <span>Ashley Young</span> is expected to face his old club while positioned on the left flank.</p>
<p><i><b>Villa</b></i><b>: </b>As of late, Lambert has been deploying his side in a 4-2-3-1 shape. <span>Brad Guzan</span> is the No.1 while <span>Ron Vlaar</span> and <span>Ciaran Clark</span> are the expected center-back duo. <span>Matthew Lowton</span> is the first-choice right-back while Bennett is the first-choice left-back. However, the latter picked up a knock last weekend at Sunderland so <span>Eric Lichaj</span> could deputise.</p>
<p><span>Fabian Delph</span> and <span>Karim El Ahmadi</span> have been first-choice in the double-pivot but <span>Barry Bannan</span> and <span>Ashley Westwood</span> are possible after the latter duo performed admirably last weekend in Villa's win. <span>Stephen Ireland</span> is anticipated as the most advanced central-midfielder but <span>Brett Holman</span> and Gabriel Agbonlahor are possible too. The latter is probably going to positioned out wide to the left though while <span>Marc Albrighton</span> or <span>Andreas Weimann</span> are in contention on the right flank. <span>Christian Benteke</span> is the big man up front.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://this11.com/boards/abDG2e1am7.jpg"></p>
<p><b>TACTICS</b></p>
<p><i><b>* A brief introduction to Villa and Paul Lambert</b></i><b>: </b>While at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a>, Lambert tinkered quite a bit with his formations as he changed his team's shape depending on the opposition. He's an astute tactician and he should be given a ton of credit for the Canaries overachieving in recent years. The manager, though, is now in debut season at Villa and as of late, he's generally stuck to a 4-2-3-1 shape.</p>
<p>Benteke is a very physical center-forward -- third most aerial duels won this season in the Premier League behind <span>Andy Carroll</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110223/peter-crouch">Peter Crouch</a> -- and he holds the ball up well. The Belgian will also have to be accounted for on set-pieces as well. Albrighton does well to whip in crosses from out wide while Agbonlahor tends to receive the ball near the touchline and then use his pace to dribble inward towards goal. Ireland is mercurial but on his day, he can be a handful. The players in the double-pivots are nothing special -- Bannan, though, is a possible exception as the youngster's range of passing is impressive as is his set-piece delivery. Clark and Vlaar have been a solid duo in the back and the full-backs are asked to motor forward in order to provide width in attack. Guzan has been very solid in goal this season.</p>
<p><i><b>* Is Villa vulnerable down their left-side?</b></i><b>: </b>With Agbonlahor's tendency to cut inside, and with Lichaj possibly deputising for Bennett at left-back -- the American is a more natural right-back -- can United exploit Villa's left-side? Sir Alex's side undoubtedly focus their attack down their right side as Valencia and Rafael have formed a very nice partnership. In recent weeks, they've exploited the weaknesses of Chelsea and Arsenal down this same flank. When United win possession, and if Agbohlahor is caught in a relatively inside position, the opportunity will be there to break and create 2 v 1 overloads on the right. Rooney can contribute to this overload as well when he drifts wide. This may be an avenue for United to create consistent chances.</p>
<p><i><b>* Tempo</b></i><b>: </b>United are obviously heavy favorites for this contest and they likely will see much more of the ball than their opponents. However, in these sort of matches, they can often be stagnant and this was certainly evident at the midweek versus Braga. The Red Devils dominated possession in Portugal but their tempo was slow and they did nothing with the ball until urgency set in when they went down. Against Villa, they will need to circulate the ball quicker while the deep-lying playmakers -- Carrick and either Scholes or Cleverley -- need to continually switch the point of attack in an attempt to create gaps and imbalances in Villa's shape. Good movement up front from RvP, Rooney, and Young will be key as will Scholes -- if he starts -- arrowing long diagonal balls out to the flanks. In order to prevent a stagnant game, United will need to keep their foot on the gas pedal in order to keep the tempo high.</p>
<p align="center"><b>KO: </b>5:30pm GMT, 12:30pm EST | Villa Park</p>
<p align="center"><b>Live TV: </b>Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), FOX Soccer (U.S.A.)</p>
<p align="center"><b>Referee: </b>Kevin Friend</p>
<p align="center"><b>Odds: </b>Aston Villa 5/1, Draw 10/3, Manchester United 1/2</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/9/3619644/preview-aston-villa-vs-manchester-unitedGene Um2012-11-09T15:38:44+00:002012-11-09T15:38:44+00:00Jonny Evans doubtful for Aston Villa, Nani is out
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<figcaption>Richard Heathcote</figcaption>
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<p>Manchester United have some fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's away tie at Aston Villa.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> manager <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> held his weekly press conference ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> and during it, he revealed that Nani is out for the tie and also that <span>Jonny Evans</span> is a doubt. Here's what the boss had to say:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We're hoping Evans will be okay for Saturday. He's a doubt, although not a serious one. Nani is out with a tight hamstring and that will be around 10 days but he should be okay. It's not torn, just tight."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson | Source: <i>ManUtd.com</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left">Both Evans and Nani had to be substituted off on Wednesday during United's UEFA Champions League fixture at Portuguese side Braga due to what assistant manager Mike Phelan described as precautionary reasons at the time. If Evans can't go, expect <span>Chris Smalling</span> to partner <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> in central-defense at Villa Park:</p>
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<p>"We're monitoring the situation with Jonny. If he doesn't make it then Chris will have to play. It's asking a lot for him to play Wednesday and then Saturday [when he's just come back]. The great thing is that he's back and there are no issues with him at all. He did very well on Wednesday - we were pleased with that."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left">United should be fine without Nani in the short-term and it's <span>Antonio Valencia</span> and <span>Ashley Young</span> expected to feature at the weekend on the flanks anyway. Portugal do have a friendly next Wednesday at Gabon but judging by Fergie's time frame, it's reasonable to expect the winger to sit that one out. Evans is a regular as well for Northern Ireland and they have a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday versus Azerbaijan. It's uncertain if the defender will feature for his country or not. Nemanja Vidic, <span>Phil Jones</span>, and <span>Shinji Kagawa</span> are the other United players out for tomorrow's match.</p>
<p align="left">Fergie also had to this to say about Villa and United's recent trips to Villa Park:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Although we have a great record at Villa Park we never take them for granted. We've always had to perform there. It's been a good ground for us as a team, though, and I've always enjoyed it. It's one of the old traditional grounds. There's always a good atmosphere and the support is always fantastic. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going as it's got us into a good position."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left"> </p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/9/3622416/manchester-united-team-news-for-aston-villa-nani-out-jonny-evans-a-doubtGene Um