Aston Villa travel to face Manchester United this Boxing Day looking to bounce back after their draw against Sheffield United last time out. Here is our predicted XI…
Last time out, Aston Villa welcomed Sheffield United and were hopeful that they could move to top spot in the Premier League.
This isn’t how it transpired however as Cameron Archer scored to silence Villa Park on his first return since departing in the summer. Nicolo Zaniolo came off the bench and saved the day as he scored his first Premier League goal for the club.
With that being said, following a draw between Arsenal and Liverpool, Villa could have gone top if they had won. Now they sit third in the table, level with second place and just a point off top spot.
Looking forward, tonight the Villans travel to face a ‘struggling‘ Manchester United side looking to get back to winning ways. Let’s take a look at our predicted XI…
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Manchester United
It will have been a frustrating night for Emi Martinez last time out. He had nothing to do all night until the last 10 minutes. He first saved Oliver Norwood’s long-range effort before being scored past by Archer late on. He will of course start in goal for Villa as he always does.
In the full-back positions, there are decisions to be made by Unai Emery. With Matty Cash absent due to suspension, Ezri Konsa will move outside into the right-back position. On the other side, it is a toss-up between Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, we suggest the Frenchman will keep his place in our predicted XI.
In the centre of defence, it is unclear whether or not Pau Torres is going to be fit. We suggest that the centre-back pairing of Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet will be utilised at Old Trafford.
The midfield four last time out failed to create very much and as a result, there may be some changes. Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will both keep their places as they are two undroppable players in this squad. Alongside them, our predicted XI will feature Leander Dendoncker and Leon Bailey. This was to provide both stability and flair to the midfield which looked imbalanced against the Blades.
Up front, Ollie Watkins will reprise his role as he looks to get his name back on the scoresheet. Alongside him, we suggest Zaniolo should come in to start following his first Premier League goal. Our predicted XI sees Moussa Diaby dropped following some lacklustre performances.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne, Bailey, Dendoncker, Luiz, McGinn, Zaniolo, Watkins
