Aston Villa hosts Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday in a crucial Premier League encounter, with Unai Emery’s side aiming to sustain their impressive run which sees them challenging near the top of the table. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM GMT, live on Sky Sports, as Villa seeks to consolidate their position just three points adrift of the league leaders. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United, currently seven points behind their opponents, face a stern test to reignite their own European qualification hopes after a recent setback.

Villa’s remarkable resurgence this season follows a challenging start, which saw them without a win in their opening five league games. However, they have since secured ten victories in their last eleven Premier League fixtures, a run that includes significant triumphs over title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal. Their only league defeat in this period came away at Anfield against Liverpool in early November, underscoring their formidable form and ambition.

Manchester United arrives in Birmingham following a dramatic 4-4 home draw against Bournemouth on Monday, a result that highlighted both their attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities. The Red Devils took the lead on three occasions at Old Trafford through Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Matheus Cunha, only for Bournemouth to equalise each time. This high-scoring encounter raises questions about United’s ability to contain an in-form Villa attack.

Despite Villa’s current ascendancy, their historical home record against Manchester United presents a significant challenge. The Birmingham club has managed only one victory in their last 26 Premier League meetings at Villa Park against the Red Devils. That sole triumph came in November 2022, a 3-1 win in Unai Emery’s inaugural match as manager, with goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne, and Jacob Ramsey marking a memorable start to his tenure.

Villa’s home form this calendar year has been exceptional, accumulating 40 Premier League points at Villa Park, a tally surpassed only by Manchester City. Should they avoid defeat on Sunday, it would mark their fewest home top-flight defeats in a single year since 1983, with just one loss in 22 games. This statistic underscores the fortress Villa Park has become under Emery’s guidance, making them a formidable opponent on their own turf.

A key figure in Villa’s attacking prowess has been Morgan Rogers, whose outstanding performances have drawn considerable attention. The former Middlesbrough player has been directly involved in eight goals across his last eleven league appearances for Villa, contributing five goals and three assists. His recent form includes braces against Leeds United and West Ham, highlighting his capacity to deliver crucial moments for his team.

Aston Villa faces several selection concerns ahead of the match. Evan Guessand is unavailable, having joined the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is undergoing a fitness test, while key players Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, and Tyrone Mings are also listed as doubtful. Forward Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, is ineligible to play against his parent club due to the terms of his agreement.

Manchester United also contends with significant absences and injury doubts. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations, while midfielder Casemiro is suspended for the trip to Villa Park. Further defensive concerns arise with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt listed as questionable, potentially leaving Erik ten Hag to rely on a central defensive pairing of Lenny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

The match is poised to be a tactical battle, with Villa’s disciplined structure and high-pressing game clashing with United’s counter-attacking threats. While United demonstrated their attacking firepower against Bournemouth, Villa’s defensive solidity at home and their ability to convert chances will be a major factor. The midfield battle, particularly with Casemiro’s absence for United, could prove decisive in controlling the tempo of the game.

This fixture holds immense importance for both clubs as the Premier League season progresses. Aston Villa aims to solidify its Champions League aspirations and maintain pressure on the league leaders, while Manchester United seeks to close the gap on the European qualification spots. The outcome at Villa Park on Sunday will undoubtedly have significant implications for their respective campaigns.

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Keywords: Aston Villa vs Manchester United, Premier League match, Villa Park, Unai Emery, Erik ten Hag, Morgan Rogers goals, Football team news, English top flight