Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces several crucial selection decisions as his high-flying side prepare to host Manchester United at Villa Park this Sunday. The Villans are chasing a remarkable tenth consecutive victory across all competitions and a seventh straight Premier League win.
Villa's Formidable Home Record
Aston Villa's form at Villa Park has been nothing short of spectacular, with nine consecutive home wins. They will be confident of extending that run into double figures against a Manchester United side missing several key players. Erik ten Hag's team will be without the suspended Casemiro, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Villa have their own injury concerns to manage. Defenders Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings remain sidelined, alongside midfielder Ross Barkley. Loanee Jadon Sancho is also ineligible to face his parent club.
Emery's Tactical Dilemmas
In goal, World Cup winner Emi Martinez could return after managing a back issue. He was rested for the matches against FC Basel and West Ham United but started in the recent victory over Arsenal. His potential return would be a significant boost.
The defensive line in front of him is likely to see Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa continue, with Victor Lindelof at centre-back. The left-back position presents a genuine selection headache. Summer signing Ian Maatsen has started the last three league games—wins against Brighton, Arsenal, and West Ham—and may retain his place over the experienced Lucas Digne.
The Midfield and Attack Conundrum
Emery could opt for continuity in midfield, deploying the partnership of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana that began the West Ham match. This would allow Youri Tielemans to operate in a more advanced, creative role.
Further forward, captain John McGinn and the in-form Morgan Rogers are expected to support central striker Ollie Watkins. However, Emery has a notable alternative. He could choose to introduce Dutch winger Donyell Malen into the starting eleven. This move would likely see Onana drop to the bench, with Tielemans shifting back into a deeper double pivot alongside Kamara, freeing up a spot for Malen in the front three.
The clash promises to be a fascinating tactical battle, with Villa aiming to solidify their top-four credentials and United looking to disrupt the party at a fortress-like Villa Park.
