Villa head for Wigan..
Villa head up to Lancashire tonight to take on Wigan at the D.W Stadium.
They currently lie 6 points adrift of fourth place Tottenham with two games in hand so a win tonight would take them to just three points behind Spurs.
The boys in Claret and Blue haven’t conceded a goal in there last five away outing’s including there goalless draw with Midland rivals Stoke at the weekend.
Wigan on the other hand are hard to predict. They beat Liverpool last week at home, while getting thrashed away from home at Bolton the weekend.
The home side lie just four points above the drop zone so will be looking to pick up points wherever possible.
Mario Melchiot is the only absentee for Roberto Martinez has he has a thing injury which has kept him out of the last two games.
Gabby Agbonlahor is expected to return to the starting lineup after recovering from his virus, as either John Carew or Emile Heskey will make way.
This isn’t the easiest game to predict with the way Wigan are however Villa usually do well up here and will want to avoid losing to Wigan twice in one season after the home defeat in the very first game of the campaign.
Avillafan.com Prediction: Away Win.
Mass clear out in the Summer?
There are plenty of players in the Villa setup at the moment that look like they could be on their way out this summer. But the question on many people’s lips is, will they be replaced?
Habib Beye was rumoured to be in talks with Sunderland in January, but nothing actually come of it, but that doesn’t mean the player is ready to stay at Villa Park beyond the summer. Today’s Daily Star quotes him saying that he’s upset at only playing 10 games in all competitions this season.
Emile Heskey is another who could be on his way. I personally think that Emile has had a good season with Villa, and he’s my choice of striker to play alongside Gabby.
John Carew hasn’t looked himself since he was punished for his of the field antics when he visited a very popular gentleman’s club on Broad Street. When he does play he doesn’t look interested and when he doesn’t play he doesn’t look like he wants to fight for his position.
Nigel Reo-Coker is one player I expect to leave for certain once he’s fit again. It’s no secret he fell out with Martin O’Neill and despite them apparently making up; I can’t see O’Neill wanting to keep him at Villa Park.
So that’s four players who could possibly be leaving, and with Randy Lerner apparently looking for cut backs, will these players be replaced with better players? Or will we have to make do with youth?
Villa beat Palace, Next up.. Reading.
Despite their effort and there three thousand travelling fans, Villa finally overcome Crystal Palace at Villa Park by three goals to one.
With the first game ending 2-2, we were always expecting goals.
It took 42 minutes for Villa to take the lead. James Milner swung in a beautiful corner only to find Gabriel Agbonlahor’s head that put it past Julian Speroni in the Palace goal.
Villa seemed to be in control of the game from then on. Crystal Palace had plenty of possession but just never looked like scoring until they bounced back 17 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty.
Alan Lee was brought down by England hopeful Stephen Warnock and the man who scored the wonder goal at Selhurst Park, Darren Ambrose fired past Brad Guzan.
All of a sudden the game was all open again until Villa was then awarded two late penalties themselves. John Carew stepped up and converted them both.
Villa will know travel to Reading for the next game on Sunday 7th March and will be looking to book themselves into their second domestic cup Semi Final this season.
Preview: Aston Villa v Manchester United
What a game we have at Villa Park tonight, a Carling Cup Final Preview, Aston Villa vrs Manchester United.
Since Villa’s historic win up at Old Trafford earlier in the season Manchester United have only lost one league game since, and that was away at Craven Cottage.
While Villa on the other hand look solid at the back at the moment, with four clean sheets in the last four games.
Teamnews for Villa see’s Emile Heskey very doubtful with a groin problem which could see a start for John Carew, while Stephen Warnock is still out.
I wish i could say for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney is suspended but it simple isnt the case. The only player they are missing is Rio Ferdinand who will be serving his third game from his four match ban. Nemanja Vidic could play some part and play his first game in 2010.
If Villa manage a victory over the Red Devils it will be there first League double over Alex Ferguson’s side in 55 years.
Its going to be a very hard game and when you have in my opinion the best player in the World in your side, in Wayne Rooney anything is possible.
AVILLAFAN.COM Prediction: Draw
Preview: Tottenham v Aston Villa
Villa head down to North London today to take on Spurs in the 5.30pm kick off at White Hart Lane. For all those who don’t already know, the game is live on ESPN.
The race for the top four is really starting to hot up now with four teams all chasing the forth spot, and in Spurs and Villa, two of them take on eachother today.
The two sides met earlier on in the season and it ended up as a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
Spurs boast a impressive home form this season which includes clean sheets in each of there last six home fixtures while Villa have won three of there last four games on the road.
Tottenham have Eidur Gudjohnson, Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker all in the squad and could play some part in the fixture. David Bentley will continue in the starting line up at the expense of injured Aarron Lennon, while Luka Modric is looking for force is way back into the starting eleven.
Villa will welcome back John Carew who has missed the last four games with a knee injury, and he should start on the bench. Stiliyan Petrov is also likely to start despite a Achilles injury.
Stephen Warnock is the only real doubt as he is still struggling with a shin injury. Wilfred Bouma played 90 minutes in mid-week, but still doesn’t find himself on the bench as Martin O’Neill doesnt want him to rush back.
Going to be a good game with two sides who are very good at the back of late and also enjoy attacking football. This is a game that Villa must win if they want to really push for a top four spot and could climb above Spurs with a win this evening.
SKYBET Odds: Tottenham 11/10, Aston Villa 5/2, Draw 12/5
Avillafan.com Prediction: Draw.
