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Big match today, some speculation and match facts from the BBC

Damian · 1 January 2021ADD AS GOOGLE PREFERRED SOURCE

We picked up a lot of points in December and now find ourselves in fifth place. If and it's a massive win, we were to win our two games in hand on the leaders we would be in second place. But if and it's another big if, Manchester United were to win their game in hand they'd actually be second, on goal difference and we would be third.

Today is a big game and not just because of the points, but because it's two big Clubs going head to head. Yes, we've struggled the past few years, but we are a big Club, anyway you want to look at it and I like to look at it from every way.

And I want to explore this a little bit. For me, you be a big Club, it's not just about supporters and size of stadium, it's about what you've achieved or your current League status. Let me give you some context. Nottingham Forest have won the European Cup twice and the League once, but they area provincial side. They're not a big Club but they should be respected.

Leeds have decent support, but they've won the League three times, the FA Cup once and the League Cup once and nothing in Europe. They're not a big Club. If they were a big Club, that would mean Huddersfield Town were too. Sides like Leeds and Newcastle simply can't be classified as big Clubs. They have good support for sure, but it doesn't make them a big Club.

Us on the other hand, it's different. We have the support, the stadium and the trophy cabinet. As do Manchester United. This is why today is a match between two big Clubs and why the match today is more than just points. Don't get me wrong the points are the most important part about today.

Time for speculation

And it wouldn't be a post about this match without mentioning Jack, not just because of all the speculation in the summer but because of the speculation that is starting again now. And don't get me wrong, Manchester United are a big Club but as I've written above, so are we. And I mean no disrespect to Manchester United and their supporters, but they are a way off the team they had under Sir Alex Ferguson.

By that I mean, they are not what they were. Liverpool are now the side to catch and we all know Manchester City will be back, as will Chelsea when Roman pulls the trigger. And we have a chance too.

And the Tweet below from Jack yesterday says a lot to me. Aston Villa is his Club and other than money, what more can they offer him today? He'd make more, but he'd play less and I think Jack likes to play. I think Jack also knows he's the big fish with us and I think he likes that, we all would. At Manchester United, he'd not be the big fish and I think he needs that.

Right, all is written, I have to tidy the house and get ready for the day. Catch you all later.

Match facts from the BBC

Head-to-head

Manchester United

Aston Villa

Anwar El GhaziChelseaDean SmithGabby AgbonlahorJack GrealishLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestOllie WatkinsWest Ham

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