Manchester United will be looking to go level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table when they face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on New Years Day.
The Reds go into the game on the back of a late 1-0 victory over Wolves at Old Trafford whilst the visitors drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Anthony Martial is widely expected to return to the starting eleven having come off the bench during United’s victory over Wolves midweek however Viktor Lindelof remains out injured for United with the defender still suffering with a back injury.
Few if any could have foreseen United challenging for the league title this season let alone win it but should the Reds take all three points from Fridays fixture it would see United locked level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table and given how inconsistent the Reds have been this season it really is quite remarkable.
Friday’s game wont be easy though.
Aston Villa find themselves sitting only four points behind United in fifth place and have enjoyed a fantastic season thus far under head coach Dean Smith and United will have to be at their very best should they wish to take all three points.
Jack Grealish is arguably Villa’s main threat. He is the heartbeat of the Aston Villa side and if Solskjaer can manage to stop him then you all but stop Aston Villa.
Despite Aston Villa’s impressive form this is still a game I expect to win albeit it will be close.
United have been showing signs of real improvement in the past few weeks and if United can manage to beat the visitors then it would be a perfect way to start to the new year and give the fans further encourage and optimism that a 21st league title in the new year could be on the cards.
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Man u needs a right back and a central defender to challenge for the title