Manchester United looking for revenge at Villa Park

After knocking Aston Villa out of the FA Cup, Manchester United travel to the Midlands for Matchweek 22 to play the same opponents. United’s results haven’t demonstrated how badly the team has been playing. The football has been scrappy, sloppy and has offered chances to United’s opponents – forcing crucial blocks from the defence and equally crucial saves from David de Gea. Aston Villa easily could have won the FA Cup 3rd Round tie with the chances they created. Adding Coutinho into the mix will only add another dimension to that attack.

Aston Villa have been impressive under Gerrard and will want to bounce back after two straight defeats. A home match against United would be the perfect way to do so but Rangnick’s reds have other agendas. They need to get wins and fast. The race for Top Four could slip away if they don’t capitalise on their favourable run of fixtures. They have to win at Villa Park, no excuses, no exceptions. Here’s all you need to know:

Aston Villa vs Manchester United Match Information:

Teams: Aston Villa and Manchester United
Date: Saturday 15th January 2022
KO Time: 17:30 GMT
Stadium: Villa Park
Managers: Steven Gerrard and Ralf Rangnick
Referee: David Coote

Team News:

Aston Villa

Aston Villa remain without Leon Bailey and Marvelous Nakamba with long-term injuries. Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet are on international duty at AFCON while John McGinn is suspended. Ashley Young is pushing for a return against his former club and Philippe Coutinho is available for selection after missing the FA Cup tie.

Manchester United

United could regain Ronaldo, Maguire and Sancho after the trio were absent for the FA Cup. Pogba remains out with a long term injury. He should be back by the end of February. Bailly and Hannibal are at the AFCON in Cameroon and McTominay and Shaw are suspended. Phil Jones is fit again but Maguire, Varane and Lindelof are all available too.

Interesting Facts:

• David Coote manages his first United match since last season. He has managed two United games in his career, both of which have been United wins.
• Aston Villa have conceded six times at Villa Park to Manchester United since their most recent promotion. Greenwood and Fernandes have scored twice each against Villa.
• Aston Villa are winless in their last 22 home games against the Red Devils with their last win in 1995. It is the longest winless record for a home team to have in the history of English football.
• Seven of the last eight wins in this fixture have been won by the team that scores first with United winning 6 times and Villa the once – the win at Old Trafford earlier this season.
• Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking for his tenth goal against Aston Villa. He has scored more Premier League goals against Villa than any other team.

Predicted XI:

United will be without Shaw and McTominay so changes to the team that struggled against Wolves are guaranteed. I hope Rangnick continues with Fernandes in the pocket as it worked better against Villa than the dual strikers against Wolves. Sancho comes in for Rashford who continues to underwhelm. Greenwood was impressive and should keep his place and depending on fitness, Ronaldo could return to the lineup. However, I would not be opposed to seeing Cavani start again.

In midfield, I would hate to see Matic try and cope with Buendia and Coutinho. It would be messy. I think Fred will be crucial and Donny could feature but if I had a pound for every time I said that (!). Maguire should return as Lindelof was messy against Villa and Wan-Bissaka should play along with Telles.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, van de Beek; Greenwood, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I can expect Villa to miss McGinn. Defensively they were exposed countless times against United but the Reds failed to convert their chances. I hope for better fortunes in front of goal as Villa will pose an attacking threat. Luiz is reckless and Ramsay is still inexperienced so United can dominate and control the game as long as they don’t gift Villa chances. United will hope the cup win builds momentum and they start looking serious.

United to win 1-3