Manchester United’s inconsistent season continued this past week with two disappointing results. The Red Devils, who have won five of their last eight matches in all competition, are coming off a 3-3 draw against Sheffield United and a 2-1 loss against FK Astana in the UEFA Europa League earlier this week. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will aim to turn things around, however, when Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford. The hosts know a win could put them closer to the Top 6, but Villa are not going to be an easy opponent.Kick-off for this match is scheduled for Sunday at 16:30 GMT.
Team News
Promising midfielder Scott McTominay will be a game-time decision for Solskjaer. The Scotsman wants to play, but the medical staff will have the final saying about his availability. Paul Pogba has been ruled out, and chances are he is going to play for The Red Devils any time soon. Marcos Rojo, Nemanja Matic, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are back in training, but they are building fitness following their recent injuries. Center-back Eric Bailly is out as well, but he should return during December.
Defender Bjorn Engels will be a game-time decision due to a hip injury. Jota, Keinan Davis and Jed Steer are all unavailable through injury, although neither has been playing much of a role in recent weeks.
Form guide
Manchester United have hit a rough patch with two less-than-convincing results over the last seven days. The Red Devils drew 3-3 at Sheffield United this last Wednesday, and suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against FK Astana this past Thursday during the UEFA Europa League. Speaking strictly about the Premier League, The Red Devils are in 11th place of the standings, but could move all the way up fifth place if they secure the win here. Right now, they have 17 points after 13 games thanks to a W4, D5, L4 record.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are barely above the relegation zone and they sit in 16th place with 14 points (W4, D2, L7). They are coming off a big 2-0 home win over Newcastle United the last time, and that result ended a three-game losing streak for The Villians. Knowing they have a four-point edge over 18th-placed Norwich City, Villa fans can breathe with ease. No matter what happens this weekend, they won’t fall into the relegation zone for, at least, one more week.
What is our recent record against Aston Villa?
Manchester United are riding an impressive run against Aston Villa. The Red Devils are on a 13-game undefeated streak against Villa in the Premier League thanks to a W10, D3 record. The last time Villa defeated Manchester United in a Premier League fixture was back in December 2009, almost 10 years ago.
The most recent meeting between these two sides happened in April 2016. United won that game 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Marcus Rashford.
Predicted outcome
Manchester United remain depleted through injuries, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still have enough talent at his disposal to field a strong team. The Red Devils might be coming off a draw against Sheffield United, but they are the better side overall. Playing at home should also represent an advantage since Villa own the league’s worst away record with only one win in six matches (W1, L5). That should be enough to secure the three points in front of their own fans.
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