Unai Emery announces himself at his new club as The Villans host The Red Devils in the Premier League. Here’s all you need to know in this week’s match preview & predicted line-up…
THE BUILD UP
Unai Emery takes charge of Aston Villa for the first time as Manchester United head to Villa Park. The Spaniard was appointed as head coach following the sacking of Steven Gerrard after the 3-0 defeat to Fulham. Arriving from Villarreal, the 51 year-old will lead his new side into battle for the first time this Sunday.
On Monday, the club confirmed the dismissal of goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler. Aaron Danks, who was in the dugout for the previous two games, is considering a new role at the club, outside of the first-team.
Emery brings a number of his backroom staff from Spain with him to Birmingham. The full list of new arrivals can be seen here: https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2022/november/04/villa-confirm-unai-emery-s-backroom-team/
The Villans are 16th in the Premier League and just three points off the bottom of the table. Their opponents, Man United, are 5th and just a point off Newcastle in 4th.
TEAM NEWS
Emiliano MartΓnez is expected to be available this weekend, despite being substituted at St James’ Park last Saturday with concussion. The Argentine was withdrawn in the first-half and replaced by Robin Olsen.
Elsewhere, Boubacar Kamara and Ludwig Augustinsson may be in contention for selection. The duo have faced spells on the sidelines through injury, but have trained this week.
Man United could be without attacking trio Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial this weekend. Manager ten Hag said: “It’s difficult to say in this moment.
“I have to talk with the medical and the performance team as they did a programme in Manchester. I have to hear how their progress was and if they can be available for Sunday’s match.”
United will be without the services of Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe due to injury. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is also unavailable through suspension.
A BIT ON MAN UNITED
Despite losing his opening two games, Erik ten Hag has enjoyed a good start to life as a Premier League manager and his Manchester United side are currently nine games unbeaten in all competitions. Joining from Ajax, the Dutch head coach brought Antony, Lisandro MartΓnez, Tyrell Malacia, Martin DΓΊbravka, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to Old Trafford in the summer.
Since the 4-0 defeat to Brentford in game week two, United have lost only once in the league – a 6-3 defeat to rivals Manchester City. The Red Devils finished second in Group E of the UEFA Europa League and face a play-off tie to progress into the knockout phases.
Forward Marcus Rashford has re-found form under the new boss ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, while new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen have hit the ground running in their new colours.
Last time out in the league, United defeated West Ham by a goal to nil, courtesy of a Rashford header – his fourth of the campaign. This victory made it seven wins from twelve this season and ten Hag will look to make it eight this weekend at Villa Park.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Below is Liamβs predicted line-up for this weekend’s game at Villa Park:
He thinks Unai Emery will make four changes from the defeat to Newcastle 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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