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Predicted XI: Manchester United side to face Aston Villa in Premier League clash

Predicted XI: Manchester United side to face Aston Villa in Premier League clash

Manchester United turn their focus back to the Premier League where they face Aston Villa, who have newly appointed Unai Emery.

Manchester United turn their focus back to the Premier League where they will face an Aston Villa side who have newly appointed head coach Unai Emery managing his first game for The Villains.

Erik ten Hag's side fell just short in their pursuit of first place in their Europa League group on Thursday evening.

Alejandro Garnacho's first goal for the club was not enough to displace Real Sociedad from the summit of Group E. The Reds needed an extra goal to avoid the play-off round with clubs dropping down from the Champions League.

That means that there will be two extra fixtures for Ten Hag's side following the World Cup, meaning these fixtures ahead of the international competition provide even more weight.

Aston Villa are coming off the back of two 4-0 score lines. One in their favour against Brentford and then came Newcastle with a demolition, showcasing their late form perfectly.

Emery, 51, has enjoyed a successful managerial career in Spain and is keen to prove any doubters wrong after his first spell in the Premier League with Arsenal did not go to plan.

He has enjoyed success against United, however. His Villarreal side put a dagger into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side after winning on penalties in the Europa League final two years ago.

Ten Hag will need to be prepared for a tactical battle with the Spaniard and will be looking to get another three points, which could propel his team into the top four, depending on results elsewhere.

One big miss for United will be the absence of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 1-0 victory against West Ham last weekend.

Bruno Fernandes started in Spain on Thursday evening (Alamy)
Bruno Fernandes started in Spain on Thursday evening (Alamy)

It is possible that Donny van de Beek continues in the number ten role after playing 58 minutes there on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford could also be another option, more so as a second striker behind Cristiano Ronaldo, as Alejandro Garnacho's performance in Spain could've kept him a spot in the starting XI.

If the Dutchman is preferred, we would likely see United's no.10 move forward and replace Ronaldo, with the Portuguese starting the three latest fixtures for The Reds.

It is hoped that Antony will be available after missing the last two games through injury. He has shown that he is crucial to United's balance going forward.

Antony has been out of action since United's 3-0 win vs FC Sheriff (Alamy)
Antony has been out of action since United's 3-0 win vs FC Sheriff (Alamy)

Although Luke Shaw played mid-week, with Tyrell Malacia on the bench, it is expected that the Englishman will continue on the left whilst in his current form.

Victor Lindelöf was confirmed to be fully fit despite coming off early against Sociedad, and will likely pip Harry Maguire to the defensive spot alongside Lisandro Martinez.

The full predicted XI can be viewed below (4-2-3-1)

David de Gea

Diogo Dalot

Victor Lindelöf

Lisandro Martinez

Luke Shaw

Casemiro

Christian Eriksen

Antony

Donny van de Beek

Alejandro Garnacho

Marcus Rashford

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Aston Villa, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Donny van de Beek, Football

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