Manchester United could move level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League when they face Aston Villa in their first outing of 2021.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are currently on an excellent domestic run and know that victory on New Year’s Day will see them draw level with the defending champions.
United have lost just one of their last 43 Premier League games against Aston Villa (W31 D11) and are unbeaten in their last 15 since a 0-1 home loss in December 2009.
In terms of early team news, Victor Lindelof could return to the squad after missing the win over Wolves but Eric Bailly may retain his place in the starting XI after his impressive display on Tuesday.
Here’s how our writers think United should line up…
Samuel Luckhurst
Continuity is key for this run of league games and United can change it up in the cups next week, so David de Gea and Bailly can continue. Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets in by default and United need to consider identifying a credible competitor for him.
The rotation over the last 17 days has largely worked, so recalling Scott McTominay and Fred would be sensible and United would have the option of calling on Paul Pogba from the bench.
Neither Daniel James nor Mason Greenwood distinguished themselves on their post-Christmas starts but Greenwood is the more dynamic pick and hurt Villa in July.
Pick your United side to face Villa using the selector below.
Tyrone Marshall
United have three days’ rest from the Wolves game and then another five-day break before the Carabao Cup semi-final so they don’t need to worry too much about rotation today.
In defence the only likely change is Shaw returning in place of Telles, a half-time change on Tuesday night that worked well for United. Bailly deserves to keep his place in the side.
In midfield Fred and McTominay can replace Matic and Pogba. There isn’t a huge amount between all four players but the energy of the former pair could be crucial against a confident Villa side.
In attack Greenwood played only an hour so could start again, while Martial can replace Cavani in attack following the Uruguayan’s ban. Rashford might be due a rest but he adds balance to the side, so maybe Solskjaer will look to get a lead and then take him off.
Rich Fay
With a game so early in the Premier League weekend United have no reason to rest any players ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final encounter next week.
De Gea deserves another start after his fine display vs Wolves while Bailly starts on form ahead of Lindelof regardless of fitness levels. Shaw is better than Telles on the left while there are no obvious alternatives to Wan-Bissaka despite his obvious attacking flaws.
A midfield of McTominay, Fred and Fernandes still offers the best balance when utilised as a three, although Pogba could start if they switch to a diamond.
Martial is fresh up front after the suspended Cavani started against Wolves while James should get another chance to prove he is of United quality ahead of the January transfer window.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
