But, believe it or not, this could actually be the best chance the Claret and Blue will get to overhaul their Old Trafford hoodoo. They haven't won away at Manchester United since 1983 and the omens are not good for Sunday's clash.
Admittedly, United could probably field their kit man and fitness team and still have a chance against the Villans at the moment.
But, it all depends whether the away side stick to recent form or somehow manage to rediscover the superb travelling spirit that saw them win seven away games in a row over the New Year period.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men may actually have to field some of their backroom team as they face the prospect of being without Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney (all suspended) and Dimitar Berbatov (injured).
Needless to say, they still have the option to call on Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Park Ji Sung to replace their absentees so it will far from easy street for Villa.
Chance
But, the Claret and Blue do have a chance.
If Gabby Agbonlahor seizes the second chance that will be passed his way due to the absence of the injured Emile Heskey, then Villa can win.
If Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and James Milner are at their tricky best, Villa can win.
And if Manchester United play as badly as they did against Liverpool and Fulham then Villa can win.
Of course these are all big ifs, but stranger things have happened.
Saturday sees the biggest and best horse race in the world take place at Aintree, Liverpool.
There will undoubtedly be an outsider who shocks tipsters and experts alike to claim a place in the prize money so why shouldn't Villa win at Old Trafford.
Belief
Sport is full of shocks.
After all no one would have thought Liverpool would still be in with a chance of the title at this stage of the season, never mind be strongly tipped to win the league.
The men from Anfield stunned United with a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford in the last game on the famous turf and in the process Rafa Benitez illustrated that the champions are not infallible.
Villa have the speed and the prowess to win. Whether they have the same belief as a Silver Birch (winner of the National at 33-1 in 2007) or any of the other Grand National long odds victors is another question?
Ok, so comparing Villa with a horse may not be the cleverest of things, but the point is that anything is possible in the world of sport.
Finishing in fourth place is not impossible and neither is winning in Manchester. Villa could just surprise many a punter by hitting the net on Sunday and then claiming the jackpot on May 24. Believe.