Date and Time: 15th December 2021 @11:00 PM IST
Venue: Villa Park
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Where to watch?
India: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Team News:
Aston Villa:
Villa will be without the services of Leon Bailey and Marvelous Nakamba for the second consecutive game due to injury, while crucial midfielder John McGinn will miss the game due to suspension. Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet will both miss out owing to their commitments to the Africa Cup of Nations, while Ashley Young is a doubt for the match against his old side this weekend.
The host side may field two debutants, with Coutinho, who has signed on loan from Barcelona, and new left-back Digne both being considered for the starting XI. The inclusion of Coutinho might result in the departure of Danny Ings, while McGinn’s absence will allow Morgan Sanson to play in a midfield three with Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey. Coutinho is expected to start in place of Ings.
Manchester United:
When it comes to Manchester United, Ronaldo is expected to be ready regardless of a hip injury, while Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Diogo Dalot, and Phil Jones should all be cleared to join up with the rest of the team. Paul Pogba is the team’s sole confirmed absence due to injury at the moment; however, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay have been banned, while Eric Bailly is presently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
McTominay’s position in midfield might be taken by Nemanja Matic, while Ronaldo is set to be joined in the final third by Edinson Cavani, with Marcus Rashford being dropped from the XI. Although there have been rumours that Rangnick may opt for a midfield diamond, it is still doubtful that Donny van de Beek would be included from the outset given the rising uncertainty around his long-term future.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Probable Playing XI:
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Emi Martinez; Matty Cash, Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; Jacob Ramsey, Luiz, Sanson; Emi Buendia, Watkins, Philippe Coutinho
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Harry Maguire, Telles; Fred, Nemanja Matic; Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes; Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Betting Predictions:
Match Betting: Aston Villa win (2.87)
Draw (3.50)
Manchester United win (2.40)
The One-Liner Explainer:
Villa will be confident after their good performance on Monday night, making this a very difficult encounter for Man United. The Red Devils have such a good record at Villa Park, and when taking into consideration Villa’s recent form, we believe the visitors will navigate their way to a crucial three points here.
