Villa's players were put through their paces at Bodymoor Heath ahead of Saturday's clash against Manchester United.

Excitement was building among the squad in the build-up to the blockbuster evening encounter with Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Club photographer Neville Williams was on the scene to snap the players in training.

Check out the image gallery of training ahead of the Red Devils game.

The players were in good spirits as they went through their final preparations for the match.

The boys in claret and blue are looking to end a 17-year home top-flight hoodoo against Man United.

The last time Villa earned a Barclays Premier League victory over the Red Devils at Villa Park was on the opening day of the 1995-96 season.

However, Gabby Agbonlahor did inspire a Villa success at Old Trafford in December 2009.

Darren Bent, Richard Dunne and Joe Bennett are all doubtful for the United clash but Karim El Ahmadi is back from suspension.

Eric Lichaj [suspended], Charles N'Zogbia [knee] and Nathan Baker [ankle] are also ruled out.

Check out the image gallery of training ahead of the Red Devils game.