Manchester United v Aston Villa. EFL Cup Match Preview
Four days on from putting the Red Devils to the sword in the Premier League, Aston Villa will clash again with Manchester United at Old Trafford for tonight’s EFL Cup third-round match.
Unai Emery kicked off his Villa Park reign with a 3-1 win over Erik ten Hag’s side at the weekend, and the Spaniard knows a thing or two about progressing in knockout competitions.
MATCH PREVIEW
Victories over Manchester United came Unai Emery’s way during his time in charge of Arsenal and Villarreal, and the Spaniard demonstrated his ongoing penchant for getting one over the Red Devils, taking the reins for the first time in the West Midlands with a resounding 3-1 win.
Five-time winners of the EFL Cup – most recently in the 2016-17 season under Jose Mourinho – Man United have since reached the semi-finals twice and been eliminated from the third round twice, falling at this stage to West Ham United last term.
Returning to Old Trafford should bring help defensively for the Red Devils, who have kept five clean sheets on the bounce at home, as well as winning each of their last three in front of their own fans in all tournaments.
POSSIBLE TEAMS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Malacia; Fred, McTominay; Elanga, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Olsen; Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne; Kamara, McGinn, Ramsey; Bailey, Watkins, Buendia
OUR PREDICTION
While Villa can certainly take huge confidence from Sunday’s result, Man United’s defensive streak at home coupled with the visitors’ troubles on the road should make this a much more competitive affair.
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