Manchester United’s up-and-down season continued on Thursday, as Erik ten Hag’s team threw away a lead of two goals to draw away at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Red Devils led 2-0 at halftime thanks to a fantastic first-half effort, but for the second game this month, United managed to win from that dominating position. After leading 2-0 in the first leg, they finally lost 5-2 on aggregate in their Europa League encounter with Sevilla.
That disappointment was erased when they advanced to the FA Cup final by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties in the semi-finals last Sunday. Returning to Old Trafford might help them as well, given that they have the longest current undefeated home record of any top-flight team.
United have not lost in 25 home matches dating back to September’s Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad, as they have only surrendered eight goals throughout that incredible run. Villa will almost certainly make it tough, as United have lost all three Premier League encounters between the two teams.
Furthermore, Villa are unbeaten in their last ten games, amassing an impressive 26 points during that span. Emery has the distinction for becoming the first manager to have his team score in all 20 Premier League games in charge.
His first game in charge saw Villa comfortably defeat United 3-1 in November, giving them the opportunity to achieve the first double against United in 68 years. Emery has never lost a Premier League match against United, having faced them four times, and he also beat them as Villarreal manager in the 2021 Europa League final.
Despite having played two more games than their opponents, Villa can close the gap on United and move into the top four with a win here. They won 1-0 in this game last season, thanks to a late penalty miss by Bruno Fernandes, but that remains Villa’s sole win in their past 11 visits to Old Trafford.
Team News- Manchester United
Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire will have late fitness tests to determine whether they can play for Manchester United here.
Ten Hag will have to cope with further challenges in defence, since Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane’s Premier League seasons are gone, but the latter is likely to return in time for the FA Cup final.
Alejandro Garnacho is nearing a comeback to Manchester United, but it may be too soon for him, since Donny van de Beek is out for the season.
Team News- Aston Villa
Matty Cash (calf) and Philippe Coutinho (thigh) have been nearing returns for Aston Villa, but both might be side-lined for at least another week. Boubacar Kamara is still out with an ankle ailment, and Leon Bailey is out with a hamstring issue.
Ollie Watkins was kept at home by Brentford in their previous away game after scoring in six consecutive away games for Villa, although he did score in an EFL Cup encounter here earlier this season.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa
Date- 30th April,2023
Time- 2pm GMT/6.30pm IST
Venue- Old Trafford
