Game Week 7 Predictions: United and Villa to settle for an entertaining draw

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United preview. Villa aims for top-four, while United seeks redemption after a poor Europa League showing. Will end a draw.

Bruno Fernandes is available after a successful appeal against his red card in the game against Tottenham, will he make a difference against Villa? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Aston Villa vs. Manchester United

Villa Park

2:00pm

Manchester United frustrated their fans once again in midweek with an embarrassing performance away at Porto, where it started greatly but soon evolved into business as usual.

United raced to a two-goal lead at Porto in the Europa League, only to watch the lead disappear before halftime. Erik Ten Hag yanked off Marcus Rashford at halftime to the consternation of many; it ended 3-3, leaving United on two points from a possible six in the new league stage format.

Aston Villa is in a great place; Unai Emery's side beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League, becoming the first team to beat them in the group stage since Emery's PSG did it over five years ago.

Aston Villa, with a win over United, could go as high as fourth on the log, depending on what happens in the game between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at the Stamford Bridge Stadium. Although the incentive is huge, another loss would have dire consequences for visitors.

It's a big game for both sides for different reasons: Aston Villa is making a statement that they belong with the big boys; a win over United on Sunday throws them into the mix, while a win for United pushes them up to the top half and helps Ten Hag to breathe with the break coming up.

How will they line up? Kobbie Mainoo, a young player, was not available for the visitors in their match against Porto due to Bruno Fernandes' dismissal at home against Spurs. With stories of injury springing up, it’s not clear if he will be available to face Villa on Sunday.

Manuel Ugarte was underwhelming against Tottenham; Mason Mount came on and did nothing before he limped off injured again, leaving Ten Hag with another Casemiro-Christian Eriksen show. Will this be enough against Villa?

John Duran is knocking on the door. Ollie Watkins is the chosen one upfront, but the youngster delivers every time he comes in as a substitute. He scored the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Is it time for him to start?

Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans are two of the best in the league this season; they inspired the Villa midfield and will be interested in what United brings to the table on Sunday. Is United in trouble again? Time will tell.

Verdict: Full-time draw