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Manchester United u23’s travel to Villa Park on Monday 7th January to face Aston Villa u23’s in what is their first game of the new year. United come into this top of the Premier League division 2 a point clear of Villa’s neighbours Wolverhampton, while Villa sit in 5th place 5 points behind the Red Devils.
Man Utd u23’s are four unbeaten going into this game, but with only two wins out of the four, Ricky Sbragia will be hoping his side can start putting some wins together and maintain their place at the top of the table.
It’s still early in the season, but with Sbragia’s men having played an extra game more than 2nd place Wolves he will know a slip up on Monday could be very costly for his side and their chances of winning the league.
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While Villa u23’s come into this off the back of a defeat to Stoke City last time out, but before this game, the Midlands side had been on an impressive run with four wins out of their last five games. Them wins saw Villa climb the table into 5th place.
Team selection will be very interesting from both sides for this game, with Villa having players like Keinan Davis and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy available who have both played in the first team and who Villa see as promising stars for their club.
While Ricky Sbragia may have to wait and see if United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calls any of his young players up to the first team for their FA Cup clash at home to Reading.
(ManchesterEveningNews.co.uk)
Players such as Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, and James Garner have all been involved with training and matchday squads over the last month. While Solskjaer brought Angel Gomes on for his 2nd appearance for the club in the final 10 minutes in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield on Boxing day last week.
So Solskjaer may see the game against Reading as another opportunity to blood through some more youngsters and even though Sbragia will want his best players available he should be pleased to see his lads given an opportunity in the first team.
