Fifth-placed Aston Villa will travel to Old Trafford on Matchday 16 of the Premier League to battle out Manchester United who are sitting second in the table, just two points off the league leaders Liverpool (before tonight’s match). The Red Devils will head into the game on the back of an encouraging 1-0 victory over Wolves whereas Dean Smith’s men held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw midweek.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation with several tweaks from their last game. Anthony Martial should get the nod over Edinson Cavani whereas Fred looks likely to make his way back into the starting XI.
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Aston Villa
Defence
David De Gea will continue to operate in between the sticks for the home side. The Spaniard shot-stopper put up an exceptional performance on Tuesday night as he denied Nuno’s men from finding the back of the net.
Lindelof remains a major doubt ahead of the Saturday night clash; hence, Eric Bailly could be asked to form the centre-half partnership with club-captain Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s backline. The Ivorian defender will be hoping to pick up from where he left off last time out as the centre-back was a dominant figure at the back against Wolves.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka marked his return from injury with a clean sheet and will be expected to retain his position as the right-back whereas Luke Shaw will replace Alex Telles to start on the other flank, as the left-back. The duo’s capability of completey shutting down opposition wingers has been of great importance to Solskjaer this far.
Midfield
Scott McTominay and Fred will replace Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba respectively in the holding midfield positions.
Having bagged ten goals and seven assists in 15 league appearances, Bruno Fernandes is guaranteed to start in the advanced midfield role as the Portuguese playmaker is expected to carry most of his teams’ goal-scoring and creative burdens again. Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood will occupy the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing respectively. The English duo will be looking to utilise their pace and directness to tear apart the Villans’ defence.
Paul Pogba could be demoted to the bench, but Solskjaer might call upon his services in the second forty-five minutes if required.
Attack
Anthony Martial is expected to lead the line for the home side up top. The Frenchman has been wasteful in front of the goal this season, so he will be eager to improve upon his form by getting his name on the scoresheet against the Villains. Edinson Cavani will have to be content with a place on the bench but might come on in the later stages of the game if needed.
