Source: Team_Talk
Cuellar confident of cup final joy
The Spanish defender's third goal of the campaign earned his side a 1-1 Premier League home draw with the Red Devils on Wednesday night after a 1-0 success at Old Trafford earlier in the season.[LNB]Villa could even have completed their first double over United for 55 years after the first half sending-off of Nani for a two-footed challenge on skipper Stiliyan Petrov.[LNB]But Cuellar is adamant Villa should not be overawed when facing Sir Alex Ferguson's side at Wembley on February 28.[LNB]Cuellar said: "To get four points out of Manchester United this season gives us a lot of confidence.[LNB]"It is very good for the team's belief because we have showed we can get points - and win - against the best team in this league, one of the best teams in the world.[LNB]"Will we be favourites for the final? It will be hard but we can do it. We have the confidence from these two league games.[LNB]"The final will be different but we believe we can win the game and we won't be scared of United.[LNB]"It will be important if we can win a trophy because the team is getting better and improving every year. We have some really excellent players at this club.[LNB]"It would be good for the fans and for the club to lift some silverware."[LNB]Cuellar knows Villa will have to keep close tabs on Wayne Rooney after the United striker produced another excellent performance as the lone striker.[LNB]And he feels England will have an excellent chance of winning the World Cup this summer if he sustains his current level of performance.[LNB]Cuellar said: "Rooney is playing very well. He is on fire now. He is scoring a lot of goals. He will cause anyone lots of problems[LNB]"If Rooney continues to play like that, England can win the World Cup.[LNB]"England are one of the best national teams in the world and they have players who are scoring goals but Rooney is really on the ball."[LNB]Cuellar admits Villa found it hard to break down United after Nani's dismissal.[LNB]He said: "Always, when you are playing 10 men, you have the obligation to try and win the game.[LNB]"But, sometimes against ten men, it is hard because they are more concentrated, and defend more, and you don't have too many spaces to try and exploit."[LNB]Villa boss Martin O'Neill will be sweating on the fitness of Petrov who has been in inspired form this season.[LNB]He has already been defying an Achilles problem to lead Villa's push for a European spot before suffering an ankle setback via Nani's challenge.[LNB]The Bulgarian international is rated a doubtful starter for Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.[LNB][LNB]
