Aston Villa earned a famous 1-0 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in midweek and will be aiming to continue their fine run of form when troubled Manchester United visit Villa Park at 2pm (UK time) on Sunday afternoon, live on Sky Sports.
Villa’s three-match winning Premier League run came to an end with a 2-2 draw at Ipswich last weekend but they responded marvellously on Wednesday night as super-sub Jhon Duran netted a late winner to topple the German giants.
United, meanwhile, are winless in four in all competitions, although they did at least earn a last-gasp Europa League point against Porto on Thursday.
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Pressure continues to mount on Ten Hag
While Unai Emery’s stock has arguably never been higher, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is under significant pressure and the Dutchman will be all too aware that one more poor performance could signal an end to his tenure.
Ten Hag’s future has been the subject of speculation almost since his arrival at Old Trafford and a run of just four points from the Red Devils’ last five Premier League matches has only added to the dissenting voices.
United have also made a slow start to their continental campaign, drawing 1-1 at home to FC Twente in their Europa League opener last week, then letting a 2-0 lead slip against Porto on Thursday.
Ten Hag’s men, who were reduced to ten men (no pun intended) after Bruno Fernandes was sent off, looked on course for a defeat in Portugal before Harry Maguire’s injury-time header salvaged a point in a 3-3 draw.
United will hope to build on that late leveller but claiming three points against the Villans, who have won their last three at Villa Park in all competitions and were rock-solid at home last season, will be a tough task.
Aston Villa vs Man Utd team news
Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana both limped out of Aston Villa’s midweek tie with Bayern and will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s contest while full-back Matty Cash is expected to miss out again with a hamstring injury.
Emery received a boost when Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara returned to training earlier in the week although the pair, who are yet to make an appearance this season, will not be available until after the international break.
Fernandes has been sent off in two successive matches – he was dismissed in the 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham last week then again at Porto – but United’s midfield maestro will be available after his red against Spurs was rescinded.
Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time on Thursday in a move to keep him fresh. He is fit and will be pushing for a start.
Full-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined until after the international break while summer signing Leny Yoro is a long-term absentee.
Aston Villa vs Man Utd predicted lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, Philogene; Watkins.
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Garnacho, Eriksen, Rashford; Hojlund.