F.A Cup 3rd Round Preview - Aston Villa

Might Feature

By David Hobbs / Chris O'Brien
January 3 2004

It's that time of year again! Many see the F.A Cup Third Round as the best day in the football calendar, and United kick-off their campaign in the world's greatest domestic Cup competition with a tricky trip to Villa Park to face an Aston Villa side who have won sixth of their last eight fixtures. United kick

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
Saturday 3rd January, 2004
F.A Cup 3rd Round

United have had quite recent domestic success over the Villains and hammered them 4-0 at Old Trafford. Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy got two goals each.

Former United defender Ronny Johnsen is relishing the cup tie between the two clubs, saying: "It's always special to come up against old friends but every game coming up is important for us and I have to treat it like any other game,"

"You also need a bit of luck in football. If we get that luck on Sunday, hopefully we can do to Manchester United what we did against Chelsea. But they are a very good team." Johnsen added.

As for the team news, The Villains' leading scorer Juan Pablo Angel has passed a fitness test and is set to start up-front against United. Welsh international defender Mark Delaney is unlikely to start due to a knee problem.

Sir Alex Ferguson looks too rotate his squad for this fixture. Nicky Butt, Diego Forlan, Kleberson, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Wes Brown are all likely to feature.

One to Watch - Juan Pablo Angel

The big Columbian striker has scored 13 goals in all competitions and will be Villa's main threat.

Angel has been linked with a move to United and I don't know why Sir Alex doesn't enquire about the great prospect.

ManUtdWeb Prediction - Aston Villa 0 - Manchester United 1