Aston la vista

Tomorrow's visitors to the KasStad are Aston Villa, a small team from the outskirts of Walsall. One Villa web site is calling the Worthington Cup third round fixture “the biggest game of Villa's season”, but compared to their other opposition that's not unreasonable. The game is a complete sell out so, depending on how many seats have been set aside for segregation purposes, there should be nigh on 12,000 watching the fireworks. How many will be watching the game is a different matter.

United have fitness doubts over just about everyone, especially the strikers. In fact the squad has been called in for a morning training session tomorrow just so Ian Atkins can have a gander at who's available for selection. Definitely out are Lee Steele (naturally), Jamie Brooks (but of course) and Bobby Ford (unfortunately). There are also doubts over Andy Scott, Manny Omoyinmi, David Oldfield and Steve Basham, all of whom will have the rule run over them tomorrow. We anticipate that Basham and Manny will be on the bench. Also vying for a place will be ROS Chris Hackett, Paul Powell, Dean Whitehead, Roy Hunter and Dave Waterman, so a lot depends on what formation Atkins decides to go with. Should he return to a back three then Matt Bound will almost certainly be recalled, but it could mean no place in the starting line-up for Hackett and Powell.

Villa will unfortunately be without comedy goalkeeper Enckleman, who is suspended for this fixture, and there is a fitness doubt over England striker Darius Vassell. However Graham Taylor has said that he is taking the game seriously and will be bringing his full first team squad. Oxford are quaking in their boots. There should be a cracking atmosphere at the stadium, most of which will drift over the fence and away over the car park. United players will be well motivated for the clash and we fully expect to see at least one red card. Rage Online prediction is United to lose 2-1 after extra time. Don't forget to buy your copy of Rage On before the game.