Aston Villa head to Manchester United this Boxing Day with a point to prove following Friday night's shock 1-1 draw with relegation fighters Sheffield United. Unai Emery's side were frustrated by the Blades' low block and a host of key refereeing decisions going against them but another chance awaits on Tuesday for a more positive result.
The Villans take on Man Utd at a good moment as they are without a win in four matches across all competitions. Erik ten Hag's men lost 3-0 to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, were defeated 1-0 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and drew in their Premier League clashes with Liverpool and West Ham United.
Emery has a slight selection headache as Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash are both suspended, while Pau Torres remains an injury doubt. Youri Tielemans is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks more, while Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings are out until the end of the campaign.
With all of that in mind, here's the starting XI we think Villa will put out at Old Trafford.
5. LB - Lucas Digne
Digne probably just about beats Alex Moreno to a spot in the team but it’s very close. There will likely be a lot of rotation between the two for the rest of the season. | AFP via Getty Images
6. RM - Leon Bailey
Whether it be behind the striker or out on the right, Bailey is brimming with confidence and has been very clinical of late. | Getty Images
7. CM - John McGinn
McGinn has played centrally for the last two outings. The change of role is expected to continue with Boubacar Kamara still suspended. | Getty Images
8. CM - Douglas Luiz
Luiz came back firing after his one-match ban, providing the wonderful assist for Zaniolo’s late equaliser against Sheffield United. | AFP via Getty Images