Christian Benteke is man of the moment at Villa Park. He had an outstanding debut campaign in the Premier League last season notching up 19 league goals and 23 in total. The summer was spent fending of interest for their new talisman and lo and behold the transfer window is shut and Benteke is still a Villa player. Paul Lambert deserves some praise for managing the situation quite so well. Benteke by all accounts has continued from where he left off last season notching up an impressive four goals in as many appearances in all competitions to date. He is strong, quick and very intelligent all characteristics that have stood him in good stead in the Premier League to date. There is no doubt that he has the potential to be the game changer in this match and given half a sniff you certainly wouldn't bet against the prolific Belgian finding the net. Trying to stop this man mountain will be French international defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The Frenchman possesses excellent pace and positional sense. He is going to have to use all of his ability to manage Benteke at Villa Park, the outcome of this battle could be a key decider in this game. The former Montpellier Captain has adapted slowly but surely to the Premier League and seems to be finding his feet more and more with each passing game. He has excellent technical ability for a young central defender and Alan Pardew is keen to test his 'investment' ahead of the returning Steven Taylor. It could be a key moment in Yanga-Mbiwa's season as he seeks to cement that first team slot as his own. So although it will be a tough ask to stop the prolific Benteke you can guarantee Mbiwa will not go down without a very fierce fight.
A 24 year old graduate originally from Teesside but now living in North Devon. I am a dedicated fan of the long suffering Newcastle United. My other interests include Music, Film, T.V, gaming and travelling. The majority of my focus will be on Football though. Feel free to leave a comment if you want to ask me anything.
