Manchester United look to put a tough week behind as they welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils could go fifth with a win whilst Villa can climb to 12th if they take a shock victory at Old Trafford.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesScott McTominay could be fit to return for Manchester United after missing their last two matches with an ankle injury.
Nemanja Matic could also feature after recovering from a lengthy groin injury, although both he and McTominay will be handed late fitness tests.
Paul Pogba (ankle) and Marcos Rojo (muscle) are a week away from returning but won’t be risked here.
Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah (both knee) and Diogo Dalot are still absent but could return during the festive period.
Aston Villa could have Bjorn Engels available after he missed Monday’s win over Newcastle due to a lack of match fitness.
Jota (groin) won’t be risked here nor in midweek but could return next weekend against Leicester.
Keinan Davis (hamstring) and Jed Steer (Achilles) are still ruled out.
Form
Man Utd have lost just one of their last five league games (W2, D2, L1) but they did suffer a midweek Europa defeat away in Kazakhstan, although majority of the first team squad was left behind at Carrington by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Villa ended a three match losing streak with a home win over Newcastle on Monday night, although they have taken just three points from their last five away games.
Stat Attack
- Manchester United haven’t lost to Aston Villa in their last 14 meetings across all competitions (W11, D3).
- United have scored at least three times in five of their last six home games against Villa, with the only exception being a 1-0 win in April 2016 which saw the Villains relegated.
- Jack Grealish is the only survivor from Villa’s squad in that defeat in April 2016, with everyone else having since moved on to pastures new.
- Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are the only United defenders to have played at least one through ball this season in the league.
- Villa’s Tyrone Mings has produced a league high 26 blocks this season.
Prediction
After somehow scraping a point at Sheffield United, Man Utd need to step it up if they’re challenge for fifth but Villa will pose a stern test now they have that winning feeling back.
I however fancy United to come through with the win because they will be fresh from their midweek dumping by Ole, which will give them a point to prove because to only take five first team squad members says a lot about where the club are at performance wise.
A strong start however will be key because if they start like they did last Sunday, Villa will probably win but it really should be a routine job.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa
Result: Manchester United 2-2 Aston Villa
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