Manchester United saw their lead slip from eight points to five in midweek- could that change again this weekend?
Now on the face of it, Manchester United may look at the visit of Aston Villa to Old Trafford and think ‘home banker.’
A week ago it certainly seemed that way, but the loss to Wigan in midweek will put fresh doubt in every United fan’s minds.
Villa have a poor record at Old Trafford, regularly losing, except for in December 2009, when under Martin O’Neill they earned a well-deserved 1-0 win.
The loss was crucial, with United losing the league by a single point to Chelsea.
Now Aston Villa have been shoddy under Alex McLeish this season, their league position illustrates that perfectly.
But there has been the odd bright moment, away from Villa Park as much as at home.
The question is, which Villa side will turn up?
The Midlands club went to Chelsea and won 3-1 in December, and also came away from Anfield last weekend with a creditable 1-1 draw which could easily have been three points.
On the opposite side of the coin- Villa have turned in some truly pathetic performances away to the top sides.
Their 2-0 loss to Spurs at White Hart Lane should have been four or five, while in their 3-0 loss to Arsenal two weeks ago they failed to muster a single shot at goal.
Equally when Villa traveled to United’s rivals Manchester City early in the season they were thumped 4-1.
So with United fully motivated and with a point to prove, not to mention their goal difference to consider, could make it another terrible trip for Villa, if they turn up with the defeatist attitude they did against Spurs, Arsenal and City.
If they believe, and have a bit of luck early on, they may just nick a point and damage United’s title chances once again.
Will United get all three points this weekend?
image: © eirikref
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