Hello there,
Both 5.0 and 5.1 clean installs should work fine.
5.1 simple install with an embedded DB is a pretty straight forward install and so is 5.0 for that matter. As you are running on a tight schedule, if this is an install on a virtual machine, take a snapshot of the VM and start the install. That way you can save time and revert back should you run into issues.
Also gives you the flexibility to install 5.0 should 5.1 not work.
The below kb should help as well
http://kb.vmware.com. com/kb/2021202
Regards