Manchester United entertain Aston Villa in today’s late Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have picked up only one point from their last three league games and they are currently eighth in the standings, eight points behind the final Champions League spot.
Manager Erik ten Hag will be aiming to end the winless streak against Unai Emery’s side. It won’t be an easy challenge with the Villans currently third in the standings after 18 games.
Ahead of the clash, United could have a timely boost with Raphael Varane returning from illness.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana has played every minute of United’s season in goal. He is currently tied with Everton’s Jordan Pickford for the most clean sheets in the Premier League this term. The Cameroon star is expected to start between the sticks tonight.
In defence, we anticipate a couple of changes from the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United last weekend. Willy Kambwala had a pleasant senior debut for the Red Devils, but he should make way for Varane’s return after a brief illness.
The Frenchman is set to be partnered by Jonny Evans in the heart of the backline with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof ruled out with injuries until the turn of the year.
Luke Shaw should retain his place at left-back, but we could see a change on the opposite end with Diogo Dalot coming in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka after serving a suspension for his sending off at Anfield.
Kobbie Mainoo made a big error leading to West Ham United’s second goal, but Ten Hag continued to stick with him for the whole game without bringing in a potential replacement.
In our view, the manager may decide to give him a breather tonight. Sofyan Amrabat seems the likely candidate to replace him and could be accompanied by Scott McTominay.
Christian Eriksen is an option for Ten Hag in the number eight role ahead of McTominay, but the Dane has just returned from a knee injury and could be handled with extra caution.
Further forward, Antony could drop to the bench for Marcus Rashford’s return to the XI.
Antony has been ineffective in making goal contributions despite a consistent starting role and it could be time for Ten Hag to change things with Rashford featuring on the right wing.
The rest of the line up should stay the same. Alejandro Garnacho has missed two clear-cut chances in as many games for United, but he remains our preferred choice from the left wing.
Bruno Fernandes will start in his customary number 10 role with Rasmus Hojlund leading the line. The Dane is still searching for his maiden Premier League goal after 14 games.
Against the Hammers, Hojlund received just one pass from Garnacho and Antony. It is quite clear that he needs more service in and around the box to find the back of the net for United.
How Man Utd could line up vs Aston Villa
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
