Down The Wings

Manchester United Fan Blog

Aston Villa v Manchester United Match Preview: Kick-off Time, Team News, Predicted line-up, TV Channel and Score Prediction

Following Manchester United’s 3-0 triumph over West Ham United, the Red Devils travel away to Villa Park to take on fellow top 4 contenders Aston Villa. United, who are currently two places behind fourth place Villa, have the chance to chip into the eight point gap they have behind this weekend’s opponents.

Competition: Premier League
Venue: Villa Park
Kick Off: 16:30 UK Time
TV Channel: Sky Sports Premier League

How do Manchester United Look?

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United have every reason to be confident going into this match. They are undefeated in 2024, in all competitions, whilst averaging three goals a game in their past five matches. A back line led by Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez managed a clean sheet last time out, which has been a rarity in recent months so they will be hoping to continue the trend against Villa. 

Another reason for confidence in Erik ten Hag’s camp, is the form of their forwards. After a slow start to the season, Rasmus Hojlund has undergone an upturn in form. His six goal contributions in his last four games has set him apart as one of the in-form forwards in the league. Alejandro Garnacho is another enjoying a good spell. Following his 35 minute brace he will be buoyed to add to his tally for the season.

It’s not all positive for United though as they could be without five players heading into this clash. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, and most notably, Lisandro Martinez look set to miss the match due to injury. ‘The butcher’ picked up a knee injury against West Ham, when going in for a challenge with Coufal. It’s since been reported that he will be side-lined for at least six weeks, and that will be the 36th game that the Argentine has missed since joining the club.

Predicted line-up

24. Onana

20. Dalot

5. Maguire

19. Varane

23. Shaw

18. Casemiro

37. Mainoo

8. Fernandes (C)

17. Garnacho

11. Hojlund

10. Rashford

Opposition – Aston Villa 

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Although Aston Villa have had a blip in recent home form, they are still an opposition to be feared. With the Holte End behind them, they are capable of dismantling any premier league side, as they have shown in the past with wins against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea already this season.

Villa have new signing Morgan Rogers available again after he was ineligible for the defeat at Chelsea in the FA Cup. Emiliano Buendia’s long-awaited return is getting close but it won’t come against Man Utd, while Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause and Jhon Duran are out too.

Key stats

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The last time these sides met, United managed to come out victorious with a sensational comeback at the Stretford End to win the game 3-2. This was also the match where Hojlund bagged his first Premier League goal. However, the last meeting at Villa park saw Unai Emery’s men victorious in his first game in charge of the Villans.

Prediction

Fans should expect a fast start, as United will look to pounce on a vulnerable Villa that are desperate to get their form back on track. They will also be feeling United breathing down their necks for a European spot, which will multiply the pressure. That pressure could force Villa into mistakes that United should look to capitalise on.

United have had three days more rest that their opponents as Aston Villa competed in an FA Cup replay midweek. Ten Hag’s men will look to make this count and should be outrunning them. We’ll likely see United take advantage of Villa’s stubborn high line meaning whoever finds themselves out wide should enjoy some good space.

With Garnacho and Hojlund in the goalscoring form that they are currently basking in, United should be amongst the goals. United have scored first blood in their last five games, and won the first half of each of them games too.

Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa

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