Sir Alex Ferguson believes Aston Villa can crack the top four of the Premier League this season.

Manchester United go to Villa Park tomorrow to face an in-form Villa who are fifth in the table, level on points with Arsenal after their win at Emirates Stadium last weekend.

And United boss Ferguson has seen enough of Martin O'Neill's side to predict a top-four finish, presumably at Arsenal's expense. He said: "I think they have a chance. At the moment they're level with Arsenal, just behind us. That's a good position to be in.

"Without question, Villa are an improving side and Martin has done a fantastic job there. I thought their performance against Arsenal was outstanding and I expect a difficult challenge tomorrow."

United will without striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has been ruled out for at least two games due a hamstring injury he collected while on duty for Bulgaria in midweek.

Defender Wes Brown is also out four to five weeks after undergoing ankle surgery and Rio Ferdinand continues his absence after injuring his back.

However, Wayne Rooney is expected to return from a calf injury. Carlos Tevez will continue in a starting role at Villa Park, with Danny Welbeck, who scored on his Old Trafford debut last week, also pushing for a place.