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Aston Villa will seek to avenge their FA Cup third-round elimination on Saturday when they welcome Manchester United to Villa Park in the Premier League.
The Villans were dumped out of the FA Cup by the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Monday evening, courtesy of a first-half strike from Scott McTominay. However, Villa boss Steven Gerrard will have been happy with what he saw from his boys for long spells of the cup game.
Having dropped down to 14th in the table after back-to-back league defeats, the Midlands club will be determined to bounce back to winning ways at the weekend.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa will once again be without Leon Bailey and Marvelous Nakamba due to injury, while influential midfielder John McGinn is unavailable due to suspension.
Ashley Young could recover from a foot injury in time to face his former employers, but Villa will miss the services of Bertrand Traore and Mahmoud Trezeguet—both away with their respective nations for the AFCON.
Steven Gerrard’s side, however, have been boosted by new signings Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, and the duo are set to be available for selection against Man United.
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez has been a consistent performer in the Aston Villa goal since arriving from Arsenal two years ago. The lanky Argentinean is a certainty to start between the sticks against Manchester United.
Defence
Steven Gerrard has emphasised making the Aston Villa backline stronger since joining the club, consistently selecting a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett. The same back four is expected to start on Saturday, with new signing Lucas Digne on the bench.
Midfield
The Villans will dearly miss the services of key midfielder John McGinn against the Red Devils. The Scotsman’s suspension will open the door for Morgan Sanson to return to the Aston Villa lineup.
The Frenchman’s quick passing and vision could help Villa in possession, with Douglas Luiz protecting the backline. Emerging talent Jacob Ramsey will complete Villa’s midfield trio.
Attack
New signing Philippe Coutinho is expected to be thrown straight into the lineup by Gerrard. The Brazilian playmaker can create things out of nothing, with his incisive passing and ability from dead-ball situations making him such a threat for the opposition.
Coutinho will start off the left flank, with Emi Buendia operating down the other side of the attack.
Ollie Watkins could get the nod ahead of Danny Ings to spearhead the Villa attack. The England international’s pace, power and aerial ability may cause problems to the shaky Manchester United backline, as the Villans eye three points at home.
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