Kobbie Mainoo in doubt for Manchester United's trip to Villa.

2024-10-01

Aston Villa, fresh from a thrilling victory over Bayern Munich, aim to continue their impressive Premier League form as they host Manchester United—a club they have famously struggled against at Villa Park—this Sunday.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa pulled off one of the biggest upsets of UCL Match Day 2 after a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. The Hammers weathered the Bayern storm before eventually finding the only goal of the game via a fabulous effort from super-sub Jhon Durán in the 79th minute.

"You can win or lose; it depends on the saves of Martinez and the action of Duran, but I am very proud of everything around Aston Villa," said Unai Emery, following two astonishing saves from Martinez in goal. A weekend test now awaits Villa, who are 5th on the Premier League table with 13 points (4W, 1D, 1L), as they prepare to face the Red Devils.

So far, this is Villa’s best start to a season since 2008-09 under Martin O'Neill, where they also collected 13 points. On Sunday, they will be looking to extend their four-game unbeaten run (LWWWD) in the Premier League.

However, a torrid run of form at home against Manchester United could stop Villa from doing so. Aston Villa have won just one of their last 25 Premier League home games against Manchester United (1W, 8D, 16L).

A 4-2-3-1 with Ollie Watkins in attack is expected against Manchester United. John McGinn is ruled out of this weekend’s clash, while Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara could return after the international break.

Manchester United

A hard-fought 3-3 draw, despite going down to ten men, ensured Manchester United escaped defeat on Thursday night in the six-goal Europa League thriller against FC Porto. Erik ten Hag watched tensely from the dugout and was relieved to see Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header find the back of the net moments after skipper Bruno Fernandes received his marching orders in successive games.

In the Premier League, United, currently in 13th place, will be eager to earn a victory when they visit Villa Park to climb a few spots up the table. Contrary to what appears on paper, United, who are without a win in two PL games, are considered underdogs here, given Villa’s scintillating form.

Erik ten Hag, still in the spotlight over his team's inconsistent challenge for top places, is expected to deploy a 4—2—3—1 with Joshua Zirkzee in attack. Bruno Fernandes, whose sending-off in the 3-0 loss to Tottenham was successfully appealed, will feature here. Kobbie Mainoo, however, remains in doubt. "We have to wait and see if he [Mainoo] can play on Sunday, if he is fit enough to start or be on the bench," Erik ten Hag mentioned in an injury update.