[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa XI to face Man United – Can the Villans pick up an important Old Trafford win?

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Predicted Aston Villa XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League

Aston Villa will take on Manchester United on New Year’s day for their first Premier League game of 2021. Dean Smith’s men have punched way above their weight this season as they sit in 5th place. They have won 3 out of their last 5 league games.

Their opponents, however, are in even rip-roaring form, sitting near the summit of the table, winning 4 of their last 5 games. Villa will take heart from the fact that the game is at Old Trafford, where the hosts have somewhat struggled.

Team News

There will be a few names who will likely miss the trip to West Ham. Wesley and Trezeguet are surely ruled out for this one. Ross Barkley could return to the fold after his injury layoff. Tyrone Mings will likely return after serving his suspension.

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Aston Villa’s Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kicks the ball during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on October 23, 2020. (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Probable Aston Villa XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Emiliano Martinez (GK)

The former Arsenal man is enjoying being first-choice and will keep his place between the sticks. Has often bailed out his side from crucial games with some great stops.

Matt Targett (LB)

First choice for the side for a while now. Continues in his position.

Tyrone Mings (CB)

Villa’s best defender for a while now. Comes in place of Ezri Konsa after serving his one-game suspension.

Kortney Hause (CB)

Has continued in good form in the absence of Ezri Konsa.

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 12: Matty Cash of Aston Villa is challenged by Marcal of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa at Molineux on December 12, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Matty Cash (RB)

Matty Cash has settled in well at the club and keeps his place on the right side of the defence.

Douglas Luiz (DM)

Has been quite a reliable presence in midfield for them. Will face a tricky test against an in-form Bruno Fernandes.

John McGinn (DM)

One of Villa’s best players in midfield and remains vital to how the pace of the game is controlled.

Jack Grealish (LW)

He is undoubtedly their best player and an undisputed starter. Should be able to return to his preferred position on the left.

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Aston Villa’s English midfielder Jack Grealish (L) celebrates with Aston Villa’s English midfielder Ross Barkley (R) after scoring their sixth goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on October 4, 2020. (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ross Barkley (AM)

Should return to the starting line-up after missing a chunk of games. Might not feature for the full length of the game.

Anwar El Ghazi (RW)

With Trezeguet out for the time being El Ghazi has done rather well on the right, chipping in with vital goals.

Ollie Watkins (ST)

Needs to find his goalscoring boots soon. Hasn’t had the best of times in front of goal for a while now.

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