Aston Villa and Manchester United meet for the second time in just five days as Carabao Cup action is back upon us. Here’s all you need to know for this upcoming third-round fixture…
THE BUILD-UP
Last Sunday, goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey helped Unai Emery on his way to a debut victory over top-four chasing Manchester United. An own goal from Ramsey before half-time failed to shift the game’s momentum in favour of The Red Devils and the home side were able to seal all three points.
Emery will look to make it two wins from two as Aston Villa head coach and will aim to progress his side into the fourth round. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag will be seeking revenge and will look to advance his United side closer toward a sixth League Cup title.
TEAM NEWS
Last weekend’s game at Villa Park welcomed both Ludwig Augustinsson and Boubacar Kamara back to the match-day squad. With this, Kamara puts himself back in contention for a spot at the World Cup with France.
However, Unai Emery confirmed that Philippe Coutinho will be out for some time after sustaining a thigh injury. The head coach said: βCoutinho is injured. I don’t know how long it will be but, today [Sunday], he couldn’t play and he’s not going to play until after the break.
“It’s a muscular injury. Heβs not going to play on Thursday or Sunday because heβs injured and heβs out longer.β Diego Carlos is the only other absentee.
Bruno Fernandes will return to the Manchester United squad this week. The Portuguese midfielder was suspended for Sunday’s game after picking up five yellow cards before the halfway mark in the season.
Erik ten Hag will monitor the fitness of both Antony and Jadon Sancho for Thursday. The pair have missed the previous two league fixtures through injury and illness but could be available for this tie.
Anthony Martial made his first appearance for United since the 2-1 victory over Everton last month after replacing Donny van de Beek on 66 minutes at Villa Park. Meanwhile, Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe all remain out.
PLAYER RATINGS LAST TIME OUT | ASTON VILLA 3-1 MANCHESTER UNITED
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Below is Liamβs predicted line-up for the mid-week game at Old Trafford:
He thinks Unai Emery will make five changes β do you agree? What changes would you make?
Make your own attempt by accessing the following link: https://utvpodcast.co.uk/line-up-selector/.
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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