Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Manchester United: Aston Villa are expected to make a big change to their backline when they go up against Manchester United, with Victor Lindelöf likely to fill in at right back.
Unai Emery will have a difficult decision to make ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford. Matty Cash has been suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also in doubt due to a hamstring injury.
With Matteo Ruggeri also sidelined, Emery has limited options at full-back. Moving Lindelöf across could provide the solution, although it would mean bringing Tyrone Mings back into central defence.
Lindelöf could move across to cover Cash
Villa’s injury list has been hit by Cash’s suspension after the right back picked up his fifth yellow card during the 1-1 draw with Fulham on Saturday. He will miss one domestic match.
Wan-Bissaka was expected to step in, but the hamstring injury means he is unlikely to be fit in time. Ruggeri is also sidelined until at least mid-December, and Amadou Onana is also out with a knee injury.
Emery can look at Lindelöf. He has prior experience playing as a right-back. He also knows Old Trafford well, having played for Manchester United for several seasons.
This would keep Villa’s ideal defensive shape but will likely mean Mings must partner Pau Torres in the centre.
Mings will provide added height and strength at set pieces that could be beneficial against United. However, they would have to forfeit the attacking contributions from Cash from the right, which means John McGinn would be given an added responsibility in providing width.
Emery expected to retain his midfield structure
Villa are expected to stick with their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
Boubacar Kamara and João Gomes are still in contention for the central midfield role despite Gomes’ early error, which led to Lamine Yamal scoring. Emery kept faith with him throughout the 3-0 defeat.
Leon Goretzka and Ross Barkley are options, but Goretzka is more likely to start on the bench.
Kamara will play an important role in the backline, especially if Lindelöf is playing out of position. He must ensure that the back four are protected and limit United’s attacking space.
Johan Manzambi is expected to play a central attacking role, while John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía provide support from both flanks.
Jackson leads Villa’s attack at Old Trafford
Expect Nicolas Jackson to start, having scored eight goals in 12 games. Although Tammy Abraham will be on the bench, Jackson’s pace makes him the most likely choice.
Buendía should also be in the starting XI with Garnacho and Mbaye offering depth.
Villa have gone five league games unbeaten but are in 10th place, having only picked up 12 points. However, they face a United team who are riding high after a 3-2 Champions League win over Roma. This ended their nine-game losing streak.
Cash will serve a one-game ban before he comes back against Sunderland after the international break.
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