Manchester United v Aston Villa: Observer readers preview the game

Supporters of Manchester United and Aston Villa give their views ahead of the title-chasers playing the team in fifth
  
  

Ronaldo
Will Ronaldo silence his critics? Photograph: Eddie Keogh /Reuters Photograph: Eddie Keogh /Reuters

Shaun O'Donnell, Observer reader

We go into this game on the back of two successive league defeats, which has let the Scousers and the media think they have already won the league, but we won't lie down and let that happen. Regardless of players coming back from international duties, our lot will be well up for it and out to avenge the previous week's debacles. Aston Villa look like a team "shot" and the hopes of them reaching the coveted fourth spot looks like fading as a resurgent Arsenal seem to have found a second wind. Coupled with our excellent record against them and the fact that Martin O'Neill has never beaten Manchester United as Aston Villa manager, that is why I expect us to win. We're minus a few players due to suspensions and injuries but expect to see Giggs, Park and Fletcher start, with Ronaldo partnering Tevez up front. Who would have thought a month ago that we would be going into this must-win game with such nervousness, but we can take comfort from the fact that every time the Scousers had the opportunity of pulling away from the chasing pack when they were leading they bottled it – after all, they are sponsored by Carlsberg. I can see us winning 2-0 with the comfort of knowing we have players rested for Tuesday against Porto.

Due a big game Cristiano Ronaldo – Cometh the hour cometh the man, we need our best player to be firing on all cylinders and not following around the referee moaning.

Jonathan Pritchard, Observer reader Funny how quick the milk turns sour! Sadly our lack of January transfer activity has come home to roost. I agree that signings for signings' sake do no good but some churning of the bench with loans etc may have helped the fatigue that clearly has afflicted us. Tactically I'm not sure march will be remembered by MON as his finest month but the two weeks off has to be looked upon as a watershed. We have seven winnable games left and sunday is not an impossible mission. Reverting to 451 is a must and if we can get to mid april just 5 or 6 points behind arsenal that the race for fourth isn't over. Maybe the lack of pressure will help us? Perspective is required,of course, BUT, will history tell us that frugality or inertia cost us?

Due a big game Gabriel Agbonlahor – Come on Gabby, prove the man in the street wrong. A troubled united back four should be unhinged by his pace and he could re-endear himself with everyone with a choke-out showing.

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