In an effort to build on their triumph over Manchester United in the Premier League, Aston Villa will try to eliminate the five-time champions from the Carabao Cup on Thursday night at Old Trafford.
On Sunday, Unai Emery had a magnificent first game in charge of Villa, leading the team to its first home league victory over United in 27 years.
When the former Villarreal manager joined a team that hasn’t won a major trophy since they last won this competition in 1996, he declared that his “dream is to win a trophy.”
In Sunday’s 3-1 loss, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag deemed his team’s performance “not acceptable,” and he is expected to make a number of changes for a variety of reasons.
The Dutchman must strike a delicate balance between resting certain worn-out players and making sure the starting lineup is capable of withstanding another spirited Villa performance.
Predictions
It begs the question of how much can change in just four days given the glaring disparity in energy and mental acuity between the two sides on Sunday.
After 11 games in 35 days, United were weary, whereas Villa, who had only played seven times over the same time frame, were energized and eager to win over their new boss.
If Emery starts some of Sunday’s substitutes at Old Trafford, it will be the case once more.
Stats
In each of Emery’s two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, he captured the Coupe de la Ligue in France. Along with winning the Europa League four times and the Coupe de France twice, he has also earned a reputation as a cup expert by leading Arsenal to the final of the latter competition in 2019.
Since Alan Curbishley achieved it with West Ham in December 2006, the Spaniard was the first manager—including caretakers—to win when their new club’s Premier League debut was against Manchester United.
All four of the goals scored on Sunday were contributed by Jacob Ramsey. The Villa midfielder contributed to his team’s early goal, was fouled to earn a free kick that resulted in Lucas Digne’s second goal, and then scored his own third goal just minutes after having an own goal credited to him.
The Red Devils’ last victory at Old Trafford against a top-flight club in the competition came in January 2017 over a Hull team that included Maguire. The Red Devils have dropped their past three home Carabao Cup games to Premier League opposition.
Injury update
After being suspended for Sunday’s match in the Midlands, Bruno Fernandes may be in the running to start. Diogo Dalot, a fellow Portugal international, may also be able to play despite missing Sunday’s match against Fulham due to his fifth yellow card of the season.
Injury concerns surround the wingers Anthony and Jadon Sancho, but Anthony Martial might play again after making his comeback on Sunday as a second-half substitute.
For the first time in more than a month, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been working out with the main group and might sit on the bench.
While Raphael Varane recovers from an injury that may prevent him from playing in the World Cup, two of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Lisandro Martinez are expected to start in central defense, giving Martin Dubravka the opportunity to make his United debut.
Shola Shoretire, who was one among the substitutes in United’s most recent matches featuring the first team against Real Sociedad and Villa, might also get some playing time.
Due to cup commitments after making an appearance in the competition, Jan Bednarek, a defender, and Leander Dendoncker, a midfielder, will be unavailable to Villa.
While Raphael Varane recovers from an injury that may prevent him from playing in the World Cup, two of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Lisandro Martinez are expected to start in central defense, giving Martin Dubravka the opportunity to make his United debut.
Shola Shoretire, who was one among the substitutes in United’s most recent matches featuring the first team against Real Sociedad and Villa, might also get some playing time.
Due to cup commitments after making an appearance in the competition, Jan Bednarek, a defender, and Leander Dendoncker, a midfielder, will be unavailable to Villa.
Ashley Young, Morgan Sanson, John McGinn, Danny Ings, and Boubacar Kamara—all of whom were used as substitutes over the weekend—will be looking to make an impression on Emery if he starts them against Manchester United.
While Leon Bailey left the game on Sunday with rib pain and may be rested, Diego Carlos (Achilles) and Philippe Coutinho (thigh) are out with injuries.
