Manchester United will be eager to continue their chase for the top four as they travel to face the relegation-threatened Aston Villa. Dean Smith’s side are winless since the restart, whereas Manchester United are undefeated. A win for either side is crucial in their quest for their respective goals. Victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side leaves them just one point behind Leicester City, while Villa would be one point from safety.
Manchester United Continue Champions League Hunt Against Struggling Aston Villa
Head to Head
It was an enthralling encounter when these two sides last locked horns. Jack Grealish scored a stunning goal from the left-hand side to put Villa one up. United scored either side of half-time through a Tom Heaton own goal and a Victor Lindelof strike. Aston Villa’s other talisman, Tyrone Mings, equalised to ensure his side gained an invaluable point at Old Trafford.
History is on Manchester United’s side in this fixture. Aston Villa have not beaten Manchester United since December 2009, albeit they have been absent in the Premier League since 2016. In all the times these teams faced each other, United ran out victors in 48% of the games.
Contrasting Form
The two sides come into the game with extremely differing form. United restarted the campaign in scintillating form, whereas Villa struggled for inspiration. The home side are winless since the restart, with just one draw away to Newcastle to show for their efforts. Defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester, Liverpool, and Chelsea slumped Dean Smith’s men to the drop zone.
On the other hand, Manchester United are second in the form table. They are free-scoring and on the hunt for a Champions League place. United’s forwards are all in-form, whilst the creativity of Bruno Fernandes means they are never starved of chances. Only top-four rivals Chelsea are in better form than Solskjaer’s side, though they have played one extra game.
On paper, the game is frightening for Villa. Manchester United are free-scoring lately, hitting Bournemouth for five last time out. The front-three are regularly scoring, with Mason Greenwood cementing his place in the first-team. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s defensive record is woeful. They have conceded 10 in the last five games and look drained for confidence. It would seem that the Villains need a miracle for a result, though, stranger things have happened in football.
Aston Villa v Manchester United Team News
Aston Villa have a few injury complaints at the moment which will hinder their chances on Thursday night. Wesley, Tom Heaton and Matt Targett remain out, with the former two long-term absentees. It is hoped that Targett will be available to face Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Villa’s two influential figures, Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish, both took knocks last time out. However, they are both expected to be fit to face United. Pepe Reina is also expected to remain in goal for Dean Smith.
Manchester United are expected to be unchanged from their emphatic victory over Bournemouth at the weekend. Although Victor Lindelof was replaced at half-time due to a back problem, he is fit to make the line-up once again.
Apart from Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, United have a fully-fit squad to pick from. Despite this, it is difficult to see many changes made with the exciting attacking displays of late.
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