Aston Villa vs Man Utd: Red Devils face tricky test against Unai Emery’s side in Premier League – team news, kick-off

MANCHESTER UNITED will be hoping to close the gap on the top four with a win against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils picked up three points last time out with a comprehensive win over West Ham at Old Trafford.

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Man United beat West Ham 3-0 on Sunday[/caption]

Alamy

Aston Villa were knocked out of the Fa Cup in midweek[/caption]

Erik ten Hag has eased the pressure on his position at the club in recent weeks.

They were lethal on the counter-attack against the Hammers as they ran out 3-0 winners.

The game also saw Alejandro Garnacho grab a brace, and Rasmus Hojlund also wrote his name on the scoresheet.

A win over the Villans could be a huge boost to Manchester United as they are currently eight points behind.

Villa have slowed their Champions League charge in recent weeks, having had a muddled set of results.

In their last game, they were knocked out of the FA Cup after a 3-1 loss to Chelsea in the fourth round.

Unai Emery‘s side were brilliant for much of the reverse fixture against United in December.

Villa raced into a 2-0 at Old Trafford but did succumb to a second-half comeback as the game ended 3-2 to United.

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United will have a different look before the match in the West Midlands as they will be wearing some newly released pre-match clothing.

The club announced a collaboration with The Stone Roses and Adidas for some band-themed clothing.

Team news

United has a few concerns ahead of the match against Aston Villa.

Lisandro Martinez will miss out after suffering a knee injury against West Ham,

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also a doubt while Tyrell Malacia is also sidelined.

Mason Mount and Anthony Martial will also miss the match with long-term injuries.

Aston Villa will have January signing Morgan Rogers available as he was cup-tied for the match against Chelsea.

Emery will be without the likes of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings while Jacob Ramsey has been struggling with fitness.

What is their form like?

Manchester United have upped their form in recent weeks having been unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions.

The Red Devils have won their last two in the Premier League against West Ham and Wolves but drew against Tottenham

While they did win back-to-back FA Cup games against Wigan and Newport County.

Villa’s form has dropped off in recent weeks, having exited the Fa Cup to Chelsea.

Before that, they were brilliant against Sheffield United as they ran out 5-0 winners, which followed on from the 3-1 loss to Newcastle.

Who will be the star men?

Manchester United will be hoping that Alejandro Granacho will pick up where he left off against West Ham.

The Argentine netted a brace against the Hammers to seal all three points for the Red Devils.

Garnacho took his tally to five for the season in the Premier League and he could favour his chances against Alex Moreno with his pace.

For Aston Villa, Moussa Diaby got back on the scoresheet against Chelsea in midweek even though it was a consolation.

The winger has been an exciting addition to Emery’s side this summer from Bayer Leverkusen.

He has already contributed to eight goals in the Premier League this season which has helped Villa challenge in the top four.

What have the managers said?

EPA

Erik ten Hag and Unai Emery will face off on Sunday[/caption]

Erik ten Hag has suggested that the match against Villa should be considered as a final.

He said: “I said to the team from the start of January every game is now a final.

“That was also our approach to West Ham, this is a final, we have to take this challenge and see it as a final.

‘That will be every day now from on.”

Emery wants his team to remain focused on the Premier League following their FA Cup exit.

He said: “We are trying to separate each competition and we are being consistent in the Premier League.

“We lost the last game here at home but we reacted very well in Sheffield and we’re going to try again on Sunday here against Manchester United.

“We will try to get positive energy and a good performance in our collective tactical way.

“We will again be focused on the league because in the league we’re feeling strong.”

SunSport prediction?

Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 2

When is Aston Villa vs Man Utd?

• Aston Villa’s clash with Man Utd will take place on Sunday, February 11.
• The match will kick off at 4.30pm GMT on Super Sunday.
• Villa Park will play host to the Premier League fixture.

What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

Aston Villa vs Man Utd will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football.

You can live stream the action from the Sky Go or NOW TV app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

Odds

• Aston Villa – 23/20
• Draw – 13/5
• Man Utd – 21/10

*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.

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