Carling Cup Preview: Manchester United v. Aston Villa
By Dominic Vieira
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United – Sunday 28th Feb 2009, 15:00 GMT – Wembley
Defending champions Manchester United will play against underdogs Aston Villa for the 50th final of the League Cup, otherwise known as the Carling Cup.
This competition is normally viewed as the cup of least importance and prestige in England, but for some clubs it is their entry into the Europa League. However, over the past 5 finals, either Manchester United or Chelsea has been present in the final. Therefore, it is correct to state that this cup is becoming just as important as any one of the others simply because everyone truly wants to win it. But even so, stronger sides do tend to rotate their team and give younger players a chance to play in this competition. The last time Aston Villa picked up any trophy it was this one, back in 1996; they will be expected to field their strongest XI to ensure that the silverware is taken back to Birmingham. Manchester United have a never-ending list of achievements and cups, however, the Red Devils will not be playing with their strongest team as Sir Alex likes to use a younger team in this cup. Nevertheless, United will be 100% concentrated and playing at their best to return the trophy to Old Trafford.
History
Both mangers have shared a taste in winning this competition; Alex Ferguson has lifted the trophy 3 times from a total of 7 finals and Martin O’Neil won it twice when coaching Leicester City in 1997 and 2000, he was also a runner-up in 1999.
An interesting fact: The only way which Manchester United has won in the new Wembley stadium has been through penalty shoot-outs.
Guide to the Final
Aston Villa’s journey started in the third round of the competition where they beat Cardiff City 1-0 at Villa Park. They then went on to beat Sunderland (by penalties), Portsmouth (2-4) and the beat Blackburn Rovers twice in the semi-finals, with an away win 0-1 and a home victory of 6-4.
The Red Devils’ path to the final commenced with a home 1-0 victory over Wolves, followed by a 0-2 away victory against Barnsley, 2-0 against Tottenham and finally a 4-3 aggregate win over arch rivals Manchester City.
Team News
Aston Villa will be using a similar side which tied 2-2 with Crystal Palace on the weekend. Aston Villa has all their regular starters match fit for the game; their only two injured men are Rep-Coker and Harewood, but they are not regulars in the side. With a fully fit squad Aston Villa will be playing wither their strongest side and boosted with a strong bench.
Manchester United will be entering the final with a fresh 3-0 midweek victory over West Ham. It will not be a surprise that United will be using some fresh, younger faces for this encounter. However, the Red Devils will be without their essential voice at the back - Rio Ferdinand (back in action in March), veteran Ryan Giggs (back in March), Anderson (got injured midweek and is now out for the whole season), versatile John O’Shea (returning in May) and Owen Hargreaves (unsure when his recovery is due). To add to the unavailable list of players, Nani will not be playing either because he has one match remaining of his 3 game suspension. It is certain United will change their starting eleven slightly for this final, Fergie has even contemplating resting Wayne Rooney for the final, Carrick and Scholes are also set to be rested. But young players such as Diouf, Fabio, Macheda, Obertan and Da Laet may all be given the opportunity to shine.
Potential Lineups
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel; Cuéllar, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Ashley Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing; Agbonlahor, Heskey
Manchester United (4-4-2): Foster; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Gibson, Park; Rooney, Owen
Threats
Without a doubt, in form goal-hunting Wayne Rooney will cause havoc to the Aston Villa and can be the match winner for the Red Devils. Throughout the competition, Aston Villa used secondary goalkeeper Brad Guzan but it is expected that the veteran Brad Friedel will be defending the Villa goal; he normally produces superb performances against United. Valencia speeding down the right wing has created numerous assists this season and will be a constant threat for Warnock. Aston Villa should also look out for Manchester United’s mechanical, efficient tireless midfield duo composed of Fletcher and Gibson, who will be looking to control the game and feed many balls through the middle and to the flanks. On the other side, Agbonlahor will be a major problem for the United centre backs if they will be unable to keep up with his fast pace and movements. Heskey and him are lethal in their air and so is substitute John Carew. Wingers Downing and Ashley Young will be the two major suppliers for the offensive build ups; they constantly play a key role in the rapid, deadly counter attacks which has scored the side many goals this season. Also, United need to watch out for Villa’s direct long balls.
Prediction
Aston Villa 1-3 Manchester United. Manchester United has the experience, quality and efficiency to beat Aston Villa. But the opponent must not be underestimated as they are extremely clinical and deadly with their long balls, counter attacks and fast play. It is going to be an intensive close battle between two sides which play a diverse offensive style of football. A match not to miss!
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