Manchester United v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread January 1st 8pm

[PaulWinch again]

We’ve got to be careful we don’t play into their hands. They’re good at countering sides, so we can’t leave ourselves too open against them.

I hope we crush the fuckers.

[Jon Crofts]

I wonder which half they’ll get their penalty?

Fernandez to fall over like he’s been shot is evens at every bookmakers in the land.

[The Edge]

I wonder which half they’ll get their penalty?

Fernandez to fall over like he’s been shot is evens at every bookmakers in the land.

And VAR to review it and still give a pen even though it's a clear dive.

[Steve67]

I wonder which half they’ll get their penalty?

It will be in the 138th minute following a VAR check.  Emi will have to put his kit back on as he was called back from his post match cuppa!

[wolfman999]

I wonder which half they’ll get their penalty?

Fernandez to fall over like he’s been shot is evens at every bookmakers in the land.

And VAR to review it and still give a pen even though it's a clear dive.

Even if he clearly stamps on the defenders shin beforehand.

[manic-road]

After years of crap in owners, players and managers it's bloody great going into a game knowing you have a chance of victory no matter who the opposition is.

1-2 Watkins and Traore

[Three Spires Villa]

Really, really want to win this. I think it will be a draw though. I am sure the world will stop turning if we actually beat Man U

[N'ZMAV]

this is the big one for me; forget Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea blah blah blah - if there's one away game you want to win, it's at Old Trafford. Smith needs to make sure the players know how big winning this, or even avoiding defeat would be. It would give us a serious platform to compete for a top 6 finish.

[Ads]

I'd go with,

Martinez

Targett
Mings
Konsa
Cash

McGinn
Dougie

Barkley

Grealish
Watkins
El Goalzi

[Lastfootstamper]

Agree with Ads' side. And without anything much changing, all of a sudden the idea of having to bring on a substitute isn't accompanied by a sense of impending doom.

I thought Monday's performance and result were huge. Let's follow it up and kick the new year off in style. 2-none the Villa.

[dave.woodhall]

We'll very likely lose, but..

We'll be going there trying to win rather than avoid a heavy defeat and knowing that if they do beat us they'll have had to work for it rather than score a couple any time they like then declare.

[andyh]

I wouldn’t drop Traore. He deserves to keep his place. Goals, assists and hard work since he started starting (!)  He can’t do much more.
Barkley can come on after 70 and try and play his way into being a starter.

[dicedlam]

I wouldn’t drop Traore. He deserves to keep his place. Goals, assists and hard work since he started starting (!)  He can’t do much more.
Barkley can come on after 70 and try and play his way into being a starter.

Agreed.

Ross will not be match fit and Traore was unlucky having to come off the last game after starting so well. Ross to come on around the 60-minute mark if we are chasing the game but I expect us to be ahead by then such is the confidence right through the team right now.

[Ads]

Traore gave Chilwell so much room on Monday. They'll likely try and exploit that with Rashford/Greenwood. I'd bring Barkley in.

[tomd2103]

Looking forward to this one tonight, though do have a slight worry that we might just tire a bit.  The Chelsea game would have been good preparation for playing one of the top sides in the league and we should be going there with no fear at all.