Aston Villa's remarkable Premier League title credentials face a stern examination this weekend as they welcome Manchester United to Villa Park. Unai Emery's high-flying side have strung together an impressive six consecutive victories, a run that has propelled them level on points with Arsenal and Manchester City at the summit of the table.
Fixture Details and How to Watch
The pivotal match is scheduled for Sunday 21 December, with kick-off set for 4:30pm at Villa Park. For fans in the UK, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the encounter.
Team News and Potential Line-Ups
Both sides have significant team news ahead of the fixture. For Aston Villa, there is hope that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could return after missing the last two matches through injury. However, defender Pau Torres remains sidelined, meaning Victor Lindelof is poised to start against his former club.
Manchester United's preparations have been disrupted. Manager Ruben Amorim, who recently criticised a perceived culture of "entitlement" at Old Trafford, will be without several key players. Casemiro is suspended, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui have all departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Long-term absentees Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are still out, likely leading to a continued defensive partnership of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Furthermore, Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club.
Form and Context
Villa's surge to the top has been spearheaded by the in-form Morgan Rogers, who scored twice in their dramatic 3-2 comeback win at West Ham. United, meanwhile, were involved in a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. This match promises to be a compelling clash between Villa's relentless momentum and a United side seeking stability under Amorim.
Possible line-ups:
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw, Dalot; Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko.
