Aston Villa predicted XI vs. Manchester United: Traore looking for second goal against United

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Aston Villa will have an opportunity to build from their 2-1 win against Everton last week when they welcome Premier League giants Manchester United to Villa Park this weekend.

The Red Devils can confirm UEFA Champions League qualification with a win against Dean Smith’s side on Sunday afternoon, yet momentum is on the Villain’s side after their dramatic victory against the Toffees, and a further three points against the Manchester club see Villa overtake Arsenal in the league standings.

Jack Grealish remains unavailable for the hosts, so who could Smith pick in his starting XI to face off against United?

The defence picks itself at this stage of the season, with Emi Martinez asserting himself as one of the best keepers in the Premier League and a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett likely to make up the rest of the backbone of the XI, with John McGinn and Douglas Luiz expected to reprise their roles in central midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Bertrand Traore, Ross Barkley and Anwar El Ghazi impressed last week against Everton and should be nailed on to start against United, with the Villa #15, who Gus Hiddink once labelled as a ‘very clever player’ as per BBC Sport, likely itching to net against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side after bagging against the Red Devils in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Rounding off the XI is the ever-reliable Ollie Watkins, who will be keen to build on his 13-goal tally in the Premier League so far when kick-off comes around on Sunday against the Red Devils.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Traore, Barkley, El Ghazi; Watkins