Aston Villa prepare to host Manchester United at Villa Park this Sunday, aiming to continue their impressive Premier League form. Unai Emery's side currently sit third in the table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one adrift of Manchester City.
Villa's Form and Key Absences
The Midlands club are in fine fettle, coming off the back of a thrilling 3-2 away victory at West Ham United. That result extended their strong run of form as they look to maintain a title challenge. However, they face some selection headaches in defence for the visit of the Red Devils.
First-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez missed the trip to the London Stadium, handing a debut to summer signing Marco Bizot. The Dutch deputy is expected to continue between the posts. In defence, concerns remain over Pau Torres, who was absent at West Ham, while long-term absentee Tyrone Mings remains sidelined. This likely means another start for Victor Lindelof alongside the in-form Ezri Konsa.
The Predicted Starting Eleven
Emery is predicted to make one significant change in attack from the side that won at West Ham. Here is how Aston Villa could line up against Manchester United.
Goalkeeper & Defence: Marco Bizot is set to start in goal. The back four should consist of the attacking full-back pairing of Matty Cash on the right and Ian Maatsen on the left, with Emery favouring the latter over Lucas Digne recently. The centre-back partnership is likely to be Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelof.
Midfield & Attack: The engine room should see the reliable duo of Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn, with the Scottish captain possibly adopting a deeper role. The key change comes on the right wing, where Donyell Malen is tipped to start. The Dutch winger has rediscovered his best form this season and could pose a major threat. Youri Tielemans is expected to operate in the advanced midfield role, supporting Morgan Rogers on the left and central striker Ollie Watkins.
Full Predicted Aston Villa Line-Up
The complete predicted Aston Villa team to face Manchester United is: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, McGinn; Malen, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
This selection highlights Villa's strength and depth, even with notable absences. The potential inclusion of Donyell Malen adds an extra dimension of pace and directness as they seek to overcome Ruben Amorim's Manchester United side and solidify their position in the top three.
