ASTON VILLA Guzan Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Stevens Weimann, Delph, El Ahmadi, Bannan Benteke, Agbonlahor

MANCHESTER UNITED De Gea Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra Carrick, Cleverley Valencia, Rooney, Young Van Persie

Joe Bennett (knee) was forced off against Sunderland, while his replacement, Eric Lichaj, is suspended.

With Chris Herd (knee) and Nathan Baker (ankle/foot) doubtful, Enda Stevens could make a first Premier League start at left-back with Karim El Ahmadi available again after suspension.

Manchester United are still without Nemanja Vidic (knee), who could be out until Christmas, Phil Jones (knee) and Shinji Kagawa (knee).

Chris Smalling returned from injury against Braga on Wednesday night and could start if Jonny Evans does not recovery from a slight groin problem.

Sir Alex Ferguson rested Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young for the trip to Portugal, with Robin van Persie, Rio Ferdinand and Rafael coming off the bench, but all should start on Saturday.

• Aston Villa have only won three of their 40 matches against Manchester United since the Premier League began.

• Their only league win over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in the last 17 years came in 2009, a 1-0 win secured by Gabriel Agbonlahor (pictured right).

• Only Sunderland have had fewer shots on target than Aston Villa this season, with the Villans hitting the target just 3.3 times per match.

• Villa have been shown 24 yellow cards this season – the joint worst offenders in the league - and have seen red twice.

• Manchester United have scored more goals than any other side in the league this season (26), while Villa have netted just eight times.

• But the Red Devils have kept just two clean sheets this year, as many as their opponents today.

• Sir Alex’s side have not lost at Villa Park in the league since 1995 – 17 matches ago.

• Robin van Persie leads the Premier League’s scoring charts with eight goals from eight starts, plus three assists.