Aston Villa head back out on the road on Sunday afternoon as they take on fellow European football chasers Manchester United at Old Trafford. Unai Emery’s side are in the form of their lives in the Premier League with eight wins and two draws in their last 10 matches, but this could be a real test.
The Red Devils have suffered with inconsistency this season but look set for a Champions League spot due to an array of purple patches throughout. Apart from a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla recently, you’d have to say they’re currently in one with three wins and two draws in their last five outings in all competitions.
Star man Marcus Rashford was back in the goals midweek in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur, whereas the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro provide a quality spine to the team. Old Trafford is of course a very tough place to go, too, making this one of Villa’s biggest challenges of the season.
Unai Emery’s midfield men will have to be at their absolute best to win their battles this weekend and top scorer Ollie Watkins may need to return to the scoresheet if the Villans want to claim all three points. The striker has drawn blanks in his last two games but netted 11 goals in the dozen matches prior.
With such a good run of form of late we think Emery will likely stick with what he knows, but there could be some change to the midfield after a late injury concern midweek. With that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for the trip to Manchester.
1. Aston Villa predicted starting lineup vs Manchester United
Here are the 11 players we think Unai Emery will select at Old Trafford. | Getty Images
2. GK - Emi Martinez
Came back after illness midweek and kept a fifth home clean sheet in a row. The world-class goalkeeper will be eager for more of the same at Old Trafford. | Getty Images
3. RB - Ashley Young
Been playing a lot of football recently but with the end of the season approaching - and with Matty Cash back soon - he should be fine to face his former side. | Getty Images
4. CB - Ezri Konsa
Has been brilliant alongside Tyrone Mings and continues to keep Diego Carlos out of the team. Needed the push but has reaped the benefits. | Getty Images