Manchester United will be looking to close the gap on the top four when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League at Villa Park on Saturday.
The Reds go into the game on the back of a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup at Old Trafford and Ralf Rangnick will be hoping for the more of the same come Saturday.
Duo Scott Mctominay and Luke Shaw will miss the clash though suspension, however, Cristiano Ronaldo is widely expected to return to the starting eleven having missed the FA Cup clash against Villa on Monday night.
Having secured a spot in the next round of the FA Cup and with the knockout stages of the European Cup to come, things are starting to look a tad better at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa look much improved under new boss Steven Gerrard and can be more than a match for anyone on their day, particularly at Villa Park. In order for United to leave the Midlands with all three points they will no doubt have to be at their very best.
The Reds have always enjoyed trips to Villa Park and we have a terrific record there, but for United to beat Aston Villa they will have to preform far better than they have done under Rangnick thus far. Despite results largely going in United’s favour, the performances have been below par and that will need addressing fast should he wish to be a success at Old Trafford.
It’s a game United dare not lose should they wish to finish in the top four places and one which I do think they will win albeit I think it be a close affair.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
