Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is expected to name Shea Lacey in his starting lineup for Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, with the 18-year-old winger set to start over Amad Diallo following his impact in the midweek Champions League win.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has described the challenge of facing Manchester United at Old Trafford as the same level as Barcelona,
despite the hosts’ poor domestic form. United, who secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, sit 18th in the Premier League table with just one league win this season.
Emery Praises United’s Quality Despite Crisis
Villa travel to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to extend their five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. Emery, who has never won a match at Old Trafford in his managerial career, refused to underestimate the hosts despite their struggles.
On Sunday, Manchester United — it’s the same level as Barcelona,
Emery said in quotes carried by ESPN. So this is the work we are trying to set with the players, of course very, very demanding.
He added that it is “very difficult” for his side at Old Trafford, noting they have not won there for four years.
Villa’s own form is strong domestically, having lost just one of their last five Premier League fixtures. However, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League during the week. Emery acknowledged the highest level of competition his players face, stating, the level we were facing [against Barcelona], this is the highest level for the Premier League and Champions League matches.
Carrick Faces Pressure with Predicted Changes
The pressure on Carrick remains significant, and a defeat could see his future at the club decided during the upcoming international break. According to Reddevilarmada, Michael Carrick is set to make changes to the side that beat Roma.
In midfield, Youri Tielemans is expected to take over the enforcer role for a number of weeks
after Carlos Baleba suffered a hamstring injury. Kobbie Mainoo’s importance to the team is also highlighted, with the report noting that in his 40 appearances this season, United have won 22 games, while in the 14 games without him, they have just one victory.
Defensive Frailty Key Focus for Villa
Betting analysts and previews point to Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses as an opportunity for Villa. Betfair notes that United have yet to register a Premier League clean sheet this season and have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four games.
The Betfair analysis states Manchester United’s defensive vulnerability and Aston Villa’s inability to consistently control games create the conditions for a more open contest. The article also highlights Nicolas Jackson’s form, noting he has scored five goals in eight Premier League appearances for Villa.
This defensive record is backed up by LiveScore, which reports that United have conceded seven goals in their four domestic home games and are yet to keep a clean sheet at Old Trafford this season.
United Favoured in Betting Odds
Man United are slight favourites for the match according to the Opta supercomputer, which gives them a 39% chance of winning, compared to Villa’s 34.5%. Opta Analyst notes that United have only lost two of their 31 Premier League home games against Villa, with both defeats being 1-0 scorelines.
Several bookmakers are offering promotions for the match. The Telegraph details a Betfred offer where new customers can bet £10 on the game to receive £50 in free bets. Sporting News reports that Sky Bet is offering new customers 50/1 odds for a goal to be scored in the game when they place a £1 bet on Over 0.5 goals.
The match kicks off at 16:30 GMT on Sunday, November 8, at Old Trafford and will be live on Sky Sports. Carrick will be hoping his young side can build on the momentum from Tuesday’s European victory, while Emery looks to mastermind his first win at the famous stadium.
