Angel wins fitness battle

Aston Villa’s leading scorer Juan Pablo Angel has been passed fit for Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United at Villa Park.

Thirteen goal Angel, reported to be a target for Arsenal, earned praise from Villa boss David O’Leary after defying an ankle injury to play 84 minutes of Sunday’s 3-0 home victory over Fulham.

But defender Mark Delaney is unlikely to be ready to face the Red Devils after aggravating a knee problem against the Cottagers.

Dion Dublin, left out against Fulham because he was feeling the exertions of playing on Boxing Day, will be pushing for a recall in defence.

Villa (from): Sorensen, De la Cruz, Mellberg, Johnsen, Dublin, Samuel, Hendrie, McCann, Whittingham, Barry, Vassell, Angel, Postma, Ridgewell, Hitzlsperger, S. Moore, Crouch, Delaney.