Another Clean Sheet for Guzan

Lost in all the draft day buzz was another solid performance by Brad Guzan. The USMNT #2 has been used almost exclusively in cup competitions this season, often going weeks between appearances for Aston Villa. Nevertheless, Guzan has managed to maintain his form and guide the Villans to the brink of a trip to Wembley for the Carling Cup final.

Today's match against Blackburn was the first of a two-leg semifinal, with Manchester City and Manchester United squaring off in the other tie. The Villa defense helped Guzan to have a relatively uneventful day, though he was called upon on three occasions to make a save to preserve his team's lead. The highlight of the day for the former Chivas USA star came late in the second half when he dove to his left to steer aside Brett Emerton's drive to the near post from 20 yards out to preserve his third clean sheet in four Carling Cup matches.

A 23rd minute strike from James Milner was all Martin O'Neill's men would need, as the match finished 1-0 at Ewood Park. The two sides will square off on January 20th to decide who advances to the final. Barring any injury, expect Guzan to get the start once again, as he looks to continue his fine, albeit discontinous, run of form.