Aston Villa vs Man Utd: Where to watch, team news and prediction
Aston Villa host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon with the hosts looking to get back to winning ways on home turf.
Ahead of the clash, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the game, team news, probable XIs and our UltimateFan Player Tip
When is kick off?
Sunday 11th February, 16:30 GMT
Where is the match?
Villa Park, Birmingham
What TV channel is it on?
Sky Sports
Form Guide
Aston Villa's recent form has been inconsistent, with their only win in the last five matches coming against Sheffield United. Unai Emery's side have suffered back-to-back 3-1 defeats in their last two home games, including the FA Cup loss to Chelsea.
Manchester United have found some stability, going unbeaten in their last five matches, including crucial league victories against Wolves and West Ham.
Erik ten Hag has been able to field his preferred starting XI in recent weeks, contributing to Manchester United's improved form. Considering the contrasting trajectories of the two teams, with Villa in a dip and United on the rise, the match might shape up to be a close contest.
Team News
The upcoming clash between Villa and United presents an intriguing battle, with both teams facing challenges on the injury front.
Hosts Aston Villa will be dealing with the absence of several key players. The versatile Moussa Diaby may be called upon to start after making an impact off the bench in the midweek FA Cup defeat to Chelsea. Lucas Digne will be assessed but Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Emi Buendia and Jhon Duran are absent.
Lisandro Martinez is set to miss up to eight weeks due to a knee injury. In additon, Manchester United continue to be without Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Probable XIs
Aston Villa (442): Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno; Bailey, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Diaby, Watkins
Manchester United (4231): Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
UltimateFan Player Tip
Rasmus Hojlund has begun to find his feet in the Premier League. Having failed to score in his opening 14 league outings, Hojlund has hit the back of the net in his last four, a scoring run that started in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day as Manchester United came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2.
⚽️ Ahead of #GW24 in the Premier League, we take a look at three players worth including in your @UltimateFanUK side
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 7, 2024
🧵 A thread... pic.twitter.com/cftiDwiTvK
The Dane is operating brilliantly in a settled system under Erik ten Hag and he's certainly one to consider for your UltimateFan team this weekend. Villa have looked shaky at the back in recent weeks, with the absence of Ezri Konsa not aiding Unai Emery's side. Back Hojlund to bag for the fifth league game running on Sunday.
Prediction
Given the circumstances, a draw could be on the cards as both teams strive to secure valuable points. United's recent momentum and Aston Villa's home struggles create an intriguing dynamic, making this clash one to watch for neutrals. The outcome is uncertain, but the stage is set for an exciting battle.
Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United
