I am sure United fans would remember Villa’s last visit to Old Trafford In April this year, Villa came the closest of beating United at Old Trafford since 1983. Trailing by 2 goals to 1, Villa were looking at their first victory at Old Trafford after a long time. But Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous 81st minute equalizer and star kid Fredrico Macheda’s injury time winner gave United the much needed 3 points.

But that is history and today’s game will be different altogether. Ronaldo gone and Macheda not even on the bench United will hope to show the same spark with Owen’s killer instinct which was visible in the last match against Wolfsburg. Owen has a good chance to impress England boss Fabio Capello and book his ticket to the world’s biggest sporting event next year.

Good news for Ferguson is that his center back Vidic is declared fit and will be available for the Villa game though the other center back position will be filled in by Michal Carrick, which he’s been doing in the past 3 games as United defenders are all out due to injury.

Giggs is back from rest and will be playing alongside Obertan, Fletcher, Anderson and Scholes. Owen will be the lone striker as Rooney and Berbatov are not match fit due to injuries. Kusczak will be holding the goalie’s position in the absence of Van Der Saar. Villa boss Martin O’Neill will be hoping to break the deadlock and win for the first time at Old Trafford in 26 years.

This Carling Cup quarter final isn’t just another game. They’re confident teams having cemented a strong position in the premier league already. Manchester United sits 2nd on the table, and Tottenham Hotspurs is placed 3rd. Their onslaught on Wigan last week sees them coming in with a very strong frame of mind because a 9-1 victory isn’t easy pull off. This is 1 year that the Spurs look intent, and a win again Manchester United will ensure a better frame of mind because it’s always good t go back home believing that the Red Devils can be defeated.

Sir Alex Fergusson is likely to play a young side once again just like last week’s meet against Besiktas. Of course, that didn’t even yield a draw, leave alone a win. The young team idea has been drawing some flak Sir Alex believes he team can do a lot.

Carlo Cudicini, Ledley King, and Luka Modric aren’t playing and all eyes will be on Jermain Defoe after his 5 goal haul last week. As far as the reds are concerned, we certainly won’t be seeing Owen, Ferdinand, Evans, and O’Shea. A much awaited games, all the best to Man Utd.