On Sunday, Manchester United will host Aston Villa at Old Trafford as they pursue the top four spots in the Premier League.
Team Form
Manchester United
Manchester United has had a few weeks rollercoaster, with ups and downs. Unfortunately, their most recent match against Tottenham Hotspur saw them throw away a two-goal lead and end up with a draw.
United had an impressive first-half performance, leading 2-0 at the break. This marks the second time this month that United has failed to win from a commanding position, the first being their Europa League tie with Sevilla, where they lost 5-2 on aggregate after leading 2-0 in the first leg.
However, United did manage to put that disappointment behind them by securing a spot in the FA Cup final last Sunday. They beat Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties in their semi-final showdown.
One positive aspect of United’s recent form is their home record. They have not been beaten in 25 matches at home, dating back to their Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad in September. What’s more impressive is that they have only conceded eight goals during that run.
Man United PL Form: L W W W D
Aston Villa
Unai Emery, the current manager of Aston Villa, has made history by becoming the first manager to oversee his team’s score in all of their first 20 Premier League games in charge. This impressive feat speaks to his ability to lead his team to consistent and effective performances on the pitch.
Emery’s first game as Villa’s manager was against Manchester United, which saw his team secure a convincing 3-1 victory in November. With this upcoming match against United, Villa can achieve their first double over the Red Devils in 68 years.
Despite having played two more games than United, a win for Villa in this match would put them within three points of United and a spot in the top four.
Aston Villa PL Form: W W W D W
Squad Report
Manchester United
Man United is facing some injury concerns ahead of their upcoming match. Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire are undergoing late fitness tests to determine whether they will be fit to play.
There are some notable absences in defense for United, with Lisandro Martinez’s Premier League campaigns over. Varane is expected to be back in time for the FA Cup final.
Alejandro Garnacho is nearing a return to the team, but this match may come too soon. Unfortunately, due to injury, Donny van de Beek is out for the remainder of the season.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa is facing some injury concerns, with Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho working their way back to full fitness. However, they may still be out of action for at least another week.
Boubacar Kamara is still on the sidelines with an ankle problem, while Leon Bailey is also out due to a hamstring injury.
Manchester United’s expected starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Sancho
Aston Villa’s expected starting lineup:
Martinez; Young, Konsa, Mings, Alex Moreno; Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Buendia, Ramsey; Watkins
Head to Head
Manchester United has had a strong record against Aston Villa, winning 103 out of the 195 matches between the two teams. In contrast, Aston Villa has emerged victorious in 51 of these matches.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Sunday, April 30
Time: 02:00 pm, BST
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Prediction
Man United’s impressive home record will be a key factor in their upcoming match against Aston Villa. However, they will face an in-form Villa side that will pose a significant challenge.
After two games without a win in regulation time, Erik Ten Hag’s men will undoubtedly be looking to end this run and return to winning.
