Aston Villa went to Old Trafford earlier this season and claimed a 1-0 win against Manchester United. It was the team’s first win at Old Trafford in nearly 40 years.
Now, Steven Gerrard’s team aims to do the league double over the Red Devils at Villa Park. Manchester United seek to stop Aston Villa doing the double and to get back to winning ways after a loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last league encounter.
🆕 pic.twitter.com/ugWuYZTrJ6— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 13, 2022
🆕 pic.twitter.com/ugWuYZTrJ6
These teams met as recently as Monday in the FA Cup third round as Manchester United knocked the Villains out of the competition with a first half goal.
Aston Villa were the better team for much of the game, however. Aston Villa had two goals ruled out for fouls or offside in the build-up to the goals.
Manchester United are seventh in the Premier League standings. Six points separate the Red Devils from fourth-place West Ham. The fight for fourth place is tight with three teams all having an opportunity to clinch the final Champions League place.
Aston Villa are on a two-match league losing streak going into the fixture. They are 14th in the standings will 11 points separating them from relegation. Villa have lost four of their last six games in the league.
Gerrard could hand January loan signing Philippe Coutinho his Aston Villa debut. The midfielder arrives on loan for six months from Barcelona with a £33 million option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, who was signed last summer, continues to battle injuries and will miss yet another game. Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore are both absent due to Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Marvelous Nakamba is ruled out with an injury and John McGinn is suspended for the fixture. Gerrard could get Ashley Young back to full fitness for the clash.
Manchester United interim Manchester Ralf Rangnick is without Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw due to yellow card accumulation. Harry Maguire is in line to start following a chest injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been downgraded to a major doubt due to a groin strain. Phil Jones and Jadon Sancho could return to the team along with Diogo Dalot. Paul Pogba is ruled out with an injury and Eric Bailly is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Since Aston Villa returned to the Premier League in 2019, they have posted a record of 1W-1D-4L across six matches with Manchester United. Their record should not improve this weekend as Rangnick leads Manchester United to a 10th Premier League win of the season.
The last two games between these sides finished as wins to nil with under 2.5 goals. Expect that trend to continue as Manchester United win away from home.