On Sunday afternoon, after what feels like forever, Manchester United will host Aston Villa on match day 30 of the Premier League season, in what is an absolutely gargantuan game for UEFA Champions League qualification. 

Michael Carrick's side have had over a week to stew on the late defeat away to Newcastle United, so this is a very welcome opportunity to finally put things right. 

So, what can we expect from Villa? 

It does not feel over the top to say that Unai Emery's side have had one of the weirdest seasons of any team this campaign. They started the season terribly, and at one point were the only team in the top five tiers in England who had not scored a goal. 

Then, they went on an incredible run, winning 16 of 18 games in all competitions and found themselves within a point or two of Arsenal at the top of the league.  

However, in 2026, they have gone on another poor run of form, and are on a win of one win in seven in the league. That run was also one win in seven in all competitions, but they managed to defeat Ligue 1 side Lille away from home in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash.

Nevertheless, it is no bad thing for United that Villa had a tough European away game, less than 72 hours before the showdown at Old Trafford. It was a full strength side from Emery too. Perhaps we may see some rotation against United on Sunday. 

There will have to be at least one change in any case, with loanee Jadon Sancho starting in Northern France yesterday, and him being ineligible to face his parent club. 

When looking at dangermen, it is very encouraging for Carrick's side that the visitors will be without key midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans for the game. Their poor recent form has coincided with their absences. 

Some good news for Villa, however, is captain John McGinn recently returned from an injury lay off last night, and could start on Sunday to build his minutes up. So we will see. 

Up front, Ollie Watkins has massively struggled this season, scoring just nine goals in all competitions - though it was his strike that was the difference against Lille, so he could be much more confident on Sunday. 

Overall, a tough game no doubt, but with recent struggles and a tough game played just yesterday, there is no excuses for United not to get all three points here, even if they are hard fought. 

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