Duran starts, Onana call - Aston Villa starting XI vs Man United predicted as Emery faces big decisions

Aston Villa are targeting a victory against Manchester United on Sunday before the October international break

After beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Aston Villa host Manchester United full of confidence and belief they can secure their fifth Premier League win of the season on Sunday.

Villa were held to a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road last weekend, which followed four wins in Villa's first five league games. United, meanwhile, have only won two Premier League games so far this season and have failed to claim victory in either of their opening Europa League games.

Erik ten Hag's side salvaged a point against FC Porto on Thursday night as Harry Maguire headed in a late goal to level the game up at 3-3 following a 1-1 draw to FC Twente last month. After losing to Villa in what was Emery's first game in charge, United have won the last four meetings between the two teams in all competitions.

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Emery could be forced into at least one change from the side which started against Bayern in midweek as Villa will take late calls on Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana, as well as Leon Bailey who came on as a substitute but was later taken off.

Ramsey appeared to pick up a groin injury, while his replacement Bailey didn't look fully fit after coming on in the first half. Emery is however confident that Onana will be able to recover in time to feature on Sunday.

Matty Cash returned to the matchday squad against Bayern, but didn't play a minute. He could remain among the subs considering Villa's strong defensive display against Bayern, meaning Emery may name an unchanged back five including goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Onana will partner Youri Tielemans if he passes a late fitness test, but it may be asking too much of Ramsey and Bailey to be ready from the off. That opens the door for Jhon Duran to make his first league start of the season as Morgan Rogers could move over to the left as a result of Bailey and Ramsey's fitness. John McGinn remains sidelined through a hamstring injury.

Jaden Philogene is likely to continue in the XI and play from the right, while Ollie Watkins will lead the line after scoring four goals in his last three league matches.

Predicted Villa XI vs Man United: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, Philogene, Rogers, Duran, Watkins.

What is your predicted XI? Tell us HERE

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