Manchester United will be looking to end a seven-game winless run in the Premier League when they host Aston Villa on Sunday at 4:30pm.
Michael Carrick was offered a brief reprieve in midweek after Man Utd’s dramatic win over Roma in the Champions League. The Red Devils trailed their Italian opponents 2-0 at Old Trafford but fought back to seal a 3-2 victory. It was Man Utd’s first win in nine games across all competitions, but they are still awaiting a first league victory since August.
Aston Villa were not successful in midweek, beaten 3-0 by Barcelona in the Champions League. It extended their winless run to three games across all competitions. The Villans are unbeaten in their past five league games though, winning three and drawing two. It’s a run that has lifted Unai Emery‘s side up the table, after taking just one point from their opening four games. Aston Villa do remain 10th, five points ahead of 17th-placed Man Utd.
The Red Devils have won six of the past eight meetings between these two sides across all competitions, including a 3-1 win at Old Trafford in March.
Man Utd vs Aston Villa team news
Man Utd team news
Despite their win over Roma lifting the mood slightly, it wasn’t all good news for Man Utd. Carlos Baleba had to come off just after half-time with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks at least. It’s a blow for the midfielder who had only just got up and running after an earlier injury.
Baleba was replaced in midfield by Youri Tielemans and the Belgian is likely to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot. The front four should remain unchanged from the win over Roma. Amad Diallo is likely to continue on the right with Bryan Mbeumo leading the line. Bruno Fernandes is expected to keep his place after burying the hatchet with Carrick, while Matheus Cunha‘s suspension is only for the Champions League.
Man Utd will also be without Lisandro Martinez, after his red card against Chelsea last weekend. Ayden Heaven started alongside Harry Maguire in midweek and that partnership is likely to continue. With Luke Shaw out injured, Diogo Dalot is expected to start on the left, with Leny Yoro at right-back.
Patrick Dorgu and Marcus Rashford are doubts, while Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte are longer-term absentees.
Aston Villa team news
Emery must also contend with a suspension. Matty Cash picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Fulham and must sit this game out. There are doubts surrounding the availability of Aaron Wan-Bissaka too, so Victor Lindelof could be pushed to right-back against his former side. Tyrone Mings is expected to join Pau Torres as the centre-back pairing, with Ian Maatsen on the left.
Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara are likely to keep their places in the double pivot from the defeat to Barcelona. Leon Goretzka will, therefore, have to make do with a substitute role after his start last weekend. Alysson is also likely to return to the team, replacing Emiliano Buendia.
With Alysson back in the team, there will be a slight shift in positioning. The Brazilian will start on the right, with John McGinn moved to the No.10. Johan Manzambi will move over to the left. And Nicolas Jackson is set to lead the line, hoping to continue his good run of form.
Man Utd vs Aston Villa predicted lineups
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Tielemans, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Lindelof, Mings, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Joao Gomes; Alysson, McGinn, Manzambi; Jackson.