Aston Villa v Manchester United – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for Aston Villa v Manchester United

Sunday’s sole Premier League fixture promises to be a compelling affair, as in-form Aston Villa welcome Manchester United to the West Midlands.

The Lions are chasing a remarkable 10th successive victory across all competitions, while the Red Devils arrive aiming to extend their unbeaten league run to five matches.

Aston Villa have forced their way into the Premier League title conversation thanks to a sustained surge in form, even if Unai Emery continues to downplay such talk. The Villans remain firmly in the Champions League hunt and are edging closer to the summit with each passing week.

Villa begin the weekend just one point behind Manchester City and three adrift of leaders Arsenal, and while their inferior goal difference may limit their chances of topping the table at Christmas, their current form outstrips that of the teams above them.

Victory here would see Aston Villa achieve a historic milestone, winning 10 consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since 1914.

It would also mark a club-record seventh straight Premier League victory, eclipsing their previous best run from 1990.

Manchester United arrive at Villa Park seven points behind their hosts, although they may feel that margin should be narrower following a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night, where Ruben Amorim’s side surrendered multiple leads.

With Villa averaging more than four goals per game across their last four matches and Manchester United consistently involved in high-scoring contests away from home, this encounter has the hallmarks of an open and frenetic affair.

United’s absences in key areas could prove costly, though, and with Villa Park becoming an increasingly difficult venue for visiting sides, Emery’s team are well placed to edge a narrow victory.

While back-to-back four-goal performances hinted at attacking improvement, defensive frailties were brutally exposed, and the impending Africa Cup of Nations absences of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo further complicate matters.

United remain within touching distance of the top four and have been entertaining on their travels, scoring and conceding in each of their last six Premier League away matches. They also boast a strong historical record at Villa Park, winning 18 Premier League games there, their second-most away wins against a single opponent.

However, Villa have already beaten United at home under Emery, doing so in 2022, and confidence will be high that history can repeat itself.

Team news for Aston Villa v Manchester United

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has missed the last two matches with a back issue but has reported improvement and could return this weekend.

Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley remain sidelined, while Harvey Elliott has been unwell. Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club.

Victor Lindelof is expected to continue in central defence, deputising for Torres once again.

Manchester United remain without Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, while Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments.

Casemiro is suspended, potentially opening the door for Kobbie Mainoo to start in midfield. Patrick Dorgu is expected to return on the left, with Diogo Dalot switching flanks, while Benjamin Sesko should lead the line.

Expected line-ups for Aston Villa v Manchester United

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Konsa, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins

Manchester United: Lammens; Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko

How to watch Aston Villa v Manchester United: TV channel, online stream

Aston Villa vs Manchester United kicks-off at 16:30 GMT on Sunday afternoon.

The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports, with live streaming available via Sky Go and NOW.

International viewers can watch through their local Premier League broadcast partners, with highlights available shortly after full-time.

The stats for Aston Villa v Manchester United

• Aston Villa have won six consecutive Premier League matches
• Villa are unbeaten in nine straight matches across all competitions
• Aston Villa are one point behind Manchester City and three behind league leaders Arsenal
• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games
• United have scored and conceded in six consecutive league away matches
• Manchester United have won 18 Premier League away games at Villa Park
• Aston Villa last beat Manchester United at home in 2022

Prediction

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