Most clubs in England don't stick this competition at the very top of their list of priorities for the season. Nevertheless, it is still a historic occasion, especially for Aston Villa, as they will be making their first appearance in a domestic cup final for the first time in nearly a decade. Their previous final appearance was a losing one in the 1999-2000 FA Cup final back at the old Wembley. However, Villa's last taste of cup success was back in 1996 when Aston Villa won this very competition beating Leeds United 3-0 in the final.
Who: Aston Villa vs Manchester United
When: Sunday, 28th February, 15:00 GMT
Where: Wembley Stadium
Aston Villa were the first ever winners of the League Cup, in 1961, and return for the 50th final. Both teams are making their eighth League Cup final appearances. Only Liverpool, with 10, have made more. Manchester United have won the trophy three times, including last season's success when they beat Tottenham Hotspur via a penalty shoot-out following a goalless 120 minutes at Wembley.
Aston Villa team news
Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is winning his battle to be fit after the Bulgarian resumed training after a virus forced him to miss the midweek FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill appears to have no major fresh injury worries, and goalkeeper Brad Friedel, central defender James Collins and striker Emile Heskey will come into contention after being rested for the Palace match.
Reserve goalkeeper Brad Guzan has played in all of Villa's previous matches in the competition this season but has looked uncertain in recent games and O'Neill is likely to choose the experienced Friedel ahead of him.
Manchester United team news
Holders United will be without centre-half Rio Ferdinand, who has suffered a recurrence of a back injury that has troubled him throughout the season. Ferdinand withdrew from United's team for the home clash against West Ham in midweek and will also miss England's friendly with Egypt on Wednesday.
Ferguson will also be without Anderson after the midfielder suffered knee ligament damage in the 3-0 win against the Hammers. The Brazilian midfielder was taken off in the first half and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs will miss out on the chance to win his third League Cup winner's medal as he is still recovering from a broken arm and Nani is serving the last game of his three-match suspension.
Possible starting Xls:
Aston Villa: Friedel, Warnock, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Petrov, Milner, Downing, A.Young, Agbonlahor, Heskey.
Man Utd: Foster, Neville, Vidic, Brown, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, Park, Valencia, Rooney.
Heads-up history
Before their 1996 victory, Villa last lifted a trophy with a 3-1 demolition of United in 1994, but since then United have dominated contests between the two sides, with Villa only winning twice against Sir Alex Ferguson's men in 37 attempts.
Aston Villa and Manchester United drew 1-1 at Villa Park in the Premiership earlier this month with Carlos Cueller opening the scoring for Villa before James Collins put through his own net as he tried to deal with a cross from Ryan Giggs. At Old Trafford in December, Villa took all three points with Gabby Agbonlahor scoring the only goal.
Recommended Bets:
Aston Villa to score two or more goals - 3.75 PaddyPower
Wayne Rooney to Score within 90 minutes - 2.40 PaddyPower
Over 2.5 Goals - 2.00 Bet365
Aston Villa to win - 4.80 VCbet
CATEGORY: Betting
