Just four days after Aston Villa shocked Manchester United with a 3-1 victory at home in the Premier League, the Red Devils have their chance for revenge when the two sides clash on Thursday, 10 October in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag will no doubt demand a response from his team, but will the Dutchman get his wish?
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Match Preview
Manchester United Current Form
Man United come into this game having won three of their last five fixtures in all competitions, losing just once in that time. It is a run of form that has seen the club put their early season woes behind them, and propel themselves into the conversation for a top-four finish.
An impressive draw against Chelsea was followed by three consecutive victories to nil, however, their most recent match ended in defeat, to who else but their opponents in this fixture – Aston Villa.
Aston Villa Current Form
Prior to their shock victory against United, Villa had been in terrible form, having lost three of their last five fixtures in the Premier League. Incostinceny has become synonymous with this Aston Villa side, and their current form highlights that.
A 4-0 victory against Brentford was followed by a 4-0 humbling against Newcastle United at Saint James’ Park, and that result in turn was followed by their 3-1 victory over Man United. Unai Emery has a real job on his hands when it comes to getting a consistent tune out of his new Villa side.
Head-to-Head
In recent times, the Red Devils have dominated this fixture, and, rather impressively, have won this fixture a whopping 37 times (67% win rate) during the Premier League era.
However, Unai Emery and his players will take great confidence from the fact that the last instalment ended in a 3-1 win for the Claret and Blue, and they now have the blueprint they need to cause Erik ten Hag’s side problems.
Goals from Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne fired the hosts 2-0 ahead inside eleven minutes, and another fast start from the away side in this game could unsettle the United players, especially in front of their home crowd.
Manchester United Team News
The club have confirmed that Bruno Fernandes is available for selection again after serving a 0ne match ban at the weekend, whilst his compatriot Diogo Dalot is also available, despite being suspended for United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday, 13 November.
Raphael Varane continues to be ruled out until after the World Cup due to injury, but Antony and Jadon Sancho could be available for the game.
Aston Villa Team News
Both Phillipe Coutinho and summer-signing Diego Carlos are suffering from long-term injuries and will not be available for selection in this game, whilst Jan Bednarek and Leander Dendoncker are both cup-tied and therefore cannot feature for Aston Villa in this competition.
Leon Bailey did appear to be in some pain when leaving the field at the weekend, but the 25-year-old is expected to be available for this game.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Score Prediction
Due to the nature of United’s defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend, this fixture has become a very difficult one to predict.
Erik ten Hag’s men have the talent, and the home crowd, and providing that they are in the right frame of mind, the Red Devils should be able to get the job done in this game. However, should there be another early goal from Aston Villa, there will be some nerves that creep into the United players.
Despite that, I do believe that Old Trafford will be a massive factor in this match, and with the home crowd behind them, Man United will secure victory and a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup as a result.
Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa
