Here is a possible starting lineup for Aston Villa’s Boxing Day matchup against Manchester United at Old Trafford, arranged by Unai Emery.
Even though we drew with Sheffield United at home last week, there is still something to be happy about as we are currently in joint-second place in the Premier League after 18 games.
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Having said that, we will play Man Utd in an attempt to overcome our dissatisfaction and secure a significant victory away from home. Despite Erik ten Hag’s team’s issues and unsatisfactory play, they still pose a formidable opponent due to their depth and skill in the lineup.
“I think Pau Torres is difficult, but he’s getting better,” said Emery, speaking after Friday night’s draw vs Sheffield Utd, as per VillaTV. “It’s not a big injury but I think it’s difficult, we’re going to wait, there’s still four days until we play in Manchester.
“Kamara is out after his red card, yellow card for Cash and he’s out.
“I think the players we had here, we are going to have more or less the same players on Tuesday without Cash. And maybe we can add in the squad Pau Torres.
“But if not, I’m happy with the players we have now available to play and we have to try to get a high performance with the players we have in the squad, and get out of them the qualities and skills and they have to be ready.”
Diego Carlos will take over as deputy for Lenglet once more.
“Barring any late setbacks, Emiliano Martinez is set to start as expected. However, with Matty Cash serving a suspension, Diego Carlos may return to the Villa XI, pushing Ezri Konsa to fill in at right-back.
While there is hope that Torres will be fit, recent assessments suggest a return to the starting lineup may not be imminent, and the risk of aggravating the problem is a concern.
As a result, Clement Lenglet is likely to continue in that position, while Lucas Digne aims to retain his spot at left-back, facing competition from Alex Moreno.
In midfield, John McGinn could partner Douglas Luiz, with Boubacar Kamara still serving a suspension. On the wings, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey may provide pace and attacking threat for quick counter-attacks against Manchester United.
Up top, Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line, and Moussa Diaby, despite struggling for consistency, could get another opportunity to showcase his skills in a counter-attacking approach.
Nicolo Zaniolo, eager for a starting role, might find his chance, especially with Youri Tielemans still out. Emery’s game plan will soon reveal his preferred options as he aims to secure all three points on the road.”
Predicted Aston Villa XI against Manchester United.
Martinez, Konsa, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno, Bailey, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, J. Ramsey, Diaby, Watkins, and Watkins. Zaniolo maybe given an opportunity right away to start the match.
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