Aston Villa will be without injured England goal scorer Emile Heskey for the crunch game at Old Trafford.

The striker scored early for his country in the 4-0 win over Slovakia but left the field shortly afterwards after picking up a hamstring injury. However, Heskey’s absence will pave the way for Gabriel Agbonlahor to start against Manchester United on Sunday giving him the opportunity to break his drought.

Agbonlahor has also been thinking of what success will look like for Villa this year. Martin O’Neill made the decision that Champions League football next season outweighed further progression in this season’s UEFA Cup. The Villa striker reckons that qualification for Europe’s top club competition is closer than it ever has been. 

"Manchester City and Tottenham will be pushing hard next season. That's why we really want to make it this time because next year it will be even harder when you look at the money that Man City and Spurs will spend. Next season there could be seven or eight challenging for a top-four place."

The game against the champions will be tough but there are sufficient matches left for Villa to realise their dream.