Aston Villa, who drew with Sheffield United on Friday night, lost out on a chance to take the lead in the Premier League, but they go into Old Trafford on Boxing Day fearlessly, knowing that Unai Emery’s team will try to extend their nine-point lead inside the top five.
Since Manchester United has only won one of their last five Premier League games, a 13th league victory of the season would extend their lead over the Red Devils to 14 points. Villa has won two of its last three away games against Brentford and Tottenham, and it has not lost any of its previous seven games.
After five wins and four losses in front of home supporters this season, United has already surrendered 12 points at Old Trafford in nine games. Villa will fancy their chances of winning another Premier League match against United on Tuesday night, as they have won two of their past four meetings—more than they had in their prior 51 meetings.
Pau Torres is still questionable, but Emery has no new injury worries. Bertrand Traore and Youri Tielemans are both sidelined due to injury.
Following his fifth yellow card of the season in Friday’s draw with Sheffield United, Matty Cash will serve a one-match ban, while Boubacar Kamara will also be sidelined.
Lucas Digne may start at left back, and Emi Martinez will start in goal behind a defense that might comprise Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, and Clement Lenglet.
Playing off the wings should be Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey, with John McGinn and Douglas Luiz forming a double pivot. Ollie Watkins might then be assisted in attacking by Moussa Diaby.
Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne, Luiz, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Diaby, Watkins.
