We have reached the third round stage of the FA Cup in England and the final fixture to be played in this round is between Manchester United and Aston Villa.
The game will be played at Old Trafford and Manchester United currently occupy 7th place in the Premier League while Aston Villa are in 13th place.
PowerHause. 💥 @Kortney_30 Five days until we're back at Old Trafford in the #EmiratesFACup. 💪 pic.twitter.com/vXsCM7a8T5— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 5, 2022
PowerHause. 💥 @Kortney_30 Five days until we're back at Old Trafford in the #EmiratesFACup. 💪 pic.twitter.com/vXsCM7a8T5
Manchester United come into the match on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
Not only was it a bad a result but Manchester United played poorly and some fans were left questioning the commitment of the players. However, that was the first defeat for Manchester United in 9 games in all competitions.
Manchester United have won 5 and drawn 3 of their 9 most recent games in all competitions, including a win away from home against Villarreal in the Champions League.
The Red Devils were eliminated from the FA Cup at the quarterfinal stage Leicester City last season but they have a strong home record in the competition. Manchester United have recorded wins in 10 of their last 11 home ties in the FA Cup.
They have won 9 of those matches without conceding a goal but have only found the back of the net themselves once in 3 of their last 4 home FA Cup games.
Aston Villa make the trip to Old Trafford having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Brentford in the Premier League last weekend. Aston Villa opened the scoring in the game and appeared to be in control of the match but Brentford equalised just before half time and scored their second goal with only 7 minutes remaining on the clock.
That result means Aston Villa have lost 3 of their last 4 matches, all of which have come in the Premier League. They have suffered defeats away against Liverpool and at home against Chelsea in addition to the recent loss at Brentford.
Aston Villa have a poor recent record in the FA Cup and they have lost each of their last 6 ties in the competition. Aston Villa have been eliminated at the third round stage in each of the last 5 seasons and will want to improve on that record.
Aston Villa have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 6 FA Cup ties.
Looking ahead to the team news and Manchester United are without Amad Diallo, Hannibal Mejbri, and Eric Bailly due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Anthony Martial are doubts while Paul Pogba is out with a thigh injury.
Aston Villa are missing Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore who are playing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Ollie Watkins has COVID-19 and Ashley Young , Leon Bailey, and Marvelous Nakamba are on the treatment table.
This game presents an opportunity for both teams to get back to winning ways. However, Aston Villa have a bad recent record in the FA Cup and Manchester United are strong at home in the competition, suggesting a home win and clean sheet for the Red Devils.