Aston Villa Report

John Townley

Man United starting XI vs #AVFC: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo. Subs: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, Mazraoui, Mount, T. Fletcher, Ugarte, Sesko, Zirkzee.

Jacob Tanswell

Ross Barkley makes first Premier League start since Jan 2025. A surprise, but Emery wants greater ball retention. "Unai's clear. He doesn’t bulls**t. He loves me as a player. He saw me at Luton and was like, ‘How did you go down your career path?’" #AVFC…

John Townley

John McGinn comes into Aston Villa's starting XI to face Man Utd, as does Ross Barkley - making his first league start this season. Tyrone Mings also starts, with Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Harvey Elliott, Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham on the bench. #AVFC…

John Townley

#AVFC starting XI vs Man United: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Onana, Barkley; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins. Subs: Bizot, Lindelof, Maatsen, Garcia, Torres, Bailey, Elliott, Luiz, Abraham.

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC XI: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Barkley, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins Three changes from Lille. McGinn back in the team for first time in two months. Mings and Barkley in. Cash just misses out

Jacob Tanswell

Emery always says Man United are "good in transition". They still are better with space and playing quickly (same with #AVFC). Emery's point about "structure" also means keeping a solid base - midfield duo behind ball - while playing much safer passes, especially in first half

John Townley

Aston Villa have won only twice here in the league in their last 37 visits. In their last two trips, Villa blew a two-goal lead on Boxing Day and failed to qualify for the UCL on the final day. Things can only be better this afternoon, right?! 🤞 #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Villa’s biggest game of the season so far. 2 wins in 37 here has come with some hugely painful experiences - among the most acute being the defeat last May. Importance of today’s result has potential to significantly impact #AVFC, from both a league and psychological position

John Townley

Matty Cash could return for Aston Villa on Sunday, but Unai Emery says they will take a late check on his fitness. On Youri Tielemans, Emery said: "Tielemans is progressing well, but is still working individually." #AVFC

John Townley

Mateu Alemany warned Unai Emery that financial rules would hold #AVFC back when he turned down the chance to join in 2023. A piece on how Emery has fought more powerful rivals, and on his future with Guillem Balague, including Kieran Maguire's expertise.…