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Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford could have major consequences in the race for Champions League football, as Manchester United host Aston Villa in one of the most intriguing Premier League fixtures of the weekend.
Both sides have spent much of the season battling near the top of the table, but with only a handful of matches remaining, every point now feels like gold.
Manchester United enter the match with renewed belief under interim manager Michael Carrick, while Aston Villa arrive in Manchester hoping to rediscover their league form after a challenging run.
Carrick’s United Finding Their Rhythm
Few expected Manchester United to turn things around so quickly after a disappointing start to the campaign. However, the arrival of Michael Carrick in the dugout has changed the atmosphere around Old Trafford.
The former United midfielder has overseen six wins in his first eight matches, lifting the club into third place in the Premier League and firmly into the Champions League race.
Despite their recent progress, United were reminded that the job is not finished when they suffered a 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United earlier this month.
One bright spot from that match was Casemiro, who continues to be an unlikely source of goals. The Brazilian midfielder now has six league goals this season, matching the best scoring campaign of his career.
Back at Old Trafford, though, United have been extremely strong. Carrick’s team have won four consecutive home league games, scoring freely while keeping things relatively tight at the back.
With the home crowd behind them again this weekend, confidence will be high.
Aston Villa Still Dangerous
Aston Villa remain one of the Premier League’s most dangerous sides, even if their recent results have been slightly inconsistent.
Unai Emery’s team spent the week in France competing in the Europa League, where they secured an important victory over Lille in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Striker Ollie Watkins scored the decisive goal in that match, finally ending a long drought in European competition.
However, Villa’s domestic form has slowed. They are currently on a three-match league losing streak, and victories have been hard to come by since the start of the year.
Despite that dip, Emery’s side remains firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish, and a win at Old Trafford would be a major statement.
History Favours United at Old Trafford
While Aston Villa have improved significantly under Unai Emery, Old Trafford has rarely been a happy place for them.
Manchester United have won five of the last six league meetings between the two teams at the famous stadium.
That record, combined with United’s recent home form, gives the Red Devils a psychological edge heading into Sunday’s encounter.
Team News
Manchester United have received some encouraging news ahead of the match.
Defender Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be available despite picking up a knock in the defeat to Newcastle.
However, Lisandro Martinez will miss out due to a calf injury, while Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt, and Patrick Dorgu remain sidelined.
For Aston Villa, captain John McGinn returned to action during the Europa League match in France and could start at Old Trafford.
Villa are still without key midfielders Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara, while right-back Matty Cash is a doubt after being forced off in their last league match.
Possible Starting Lineups
Manchester United
Lammens Mazraoui Yoro
Maguire
Shaw
Casemiro
Mainoo
Mbeumo
Fernandes
Cunha
Sesko
Aston Villa
Martinez
Bogarde
Konsa
Torres
Maatsen
Luiz
Onana
Sancho
Rogers
Buendia
Watkins
Prediction
This has all the ingredients of a tight and entertaining Premier League encounter.
Manchester United’s strong home record under Carrick gives them a slight advantage, while Aston Villa may still be feeling the physical effects of their midweek European match.
Villa certainly have the quality to cause problems, but Old Trafford could once again prove decisive.
Prediction:
Manchester United 2–1 Aston Villa