Villama Preview: Manchester United v Aston Villa

There were no moral victories last week, with Aston Villa thumping Everton 3-0. Matty Cash started off the day with the first goal; the first of his career as a Villan. Following Cash’s heroics, Everton managed an own goal off of a Leon Bailey corner that was followed up by a spectacular Leon Bailey rocket that found the back of the net. The match featured Villa playing out of the 3-5-2 and the formation seems to be paying off - allowing a three man midfield, while also allowing Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins on the pitch at the same time without playing out of position.

It’s not unlikely to see Villa play in the 3-5-2 formation on Saturday with a few adjustments. Bailey will miss the United game due to an injury picked up against Everton, and you could see Kortney Hause in for Axel Tuanzebe at center-back. Emi Martinez should remain in goal, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konza filling out the back three. Cash, the Polish Cafu, will feature at right-back/right wing-back while Matty Targett will play on the left. Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, and John McGinn who’s “heed”, per the player, has been fixed (his head is doing fine as well!). Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins are expected to partner one another up front.

Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images

Manchester United, a very good, but difficult to like team, return to Premier League action after a 2-1 win over West Ham last weekend, with a typical Cristiano Ronaldo goal and feel-good effort from Jesse Lingard provind to be different. Subsequently, West Ham ran away 1-0 winners against United midweek in the third round of the Carabao Cup - a bit of redemption for David Moyes’ men to say the least.

With the Old Trafford outfit preferring to play out of a 4-2-3-1 formation, it’s been widely noted that they have yet to have a penalty this season. Mike Dean, the Joey Crawford of football, will be officiating. As mentioned, United have great players all over the field. but the front four are particularly daunting. Ronaldo is the obvious antagonist to look for, while Bruno Fernandes plays the 10 role with Paul Pogba to his left and Mason Greenwood to his right.

PREDICTION: It’s difficult to see Villa pulling off a win, particularly without Leon Bailey being able to come onto the pitch and light the world on fire, but unlike past seasons, it’s possible. In the end, a 3-2 loss could be on the cards for the Villa on Saturday.