Aston Villa host Manchester United at Villa Park with both teams having got 1-0 narrow wins against new comers Bournemouth and Tottemham respectively in the opening fixtures of the Premier League season
The two sides shared a 1-1 draw in last season’s corresponding fixture and both teams will be looking for a win.
Louis van Gaal’s team had a poor game against Spurs requiring an own goal to secure the win as they hit just a single shot on target.
Manchester United though have got a good unbeaten run record against Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League and are favourites to win.
Aston Villa will look at the services of Rudy Gestede who came off the substitutes’ bench to score the winner against Bournemouth to lead the attack but Tim Sherwood must decide whether to risk the striker from the start after admitting he is still not fully fit.
Aston Villa centre-back Jores Okore is out, while Jack Grealish and Carles Gil are both doubtful after only recently returning to first-team training. Gary Gardner and José Ángel Crespo both face late fitness tests.
Manchester United, meanwhile, remain without the suspended Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones and David De Gea with Bastian Schweinsteiger closing in to full fitness as he recovers from a calf injury.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed Sergio Romero will remain in goal for today’s meeting with Aston Villa.
David De Gea’s situation at the club is not yet clear and when quizzed about the issue, Van Gaal told MUTV: “There’s no difference. The transfer period is still open and he [De Gea] still has the same problem.”
Opta stats
Aston Villa have not beaten Manchester United at home in the Premier League since August 1995 (D7 L12).
The Red Devils have won more games against Aston Villa (32) than any side has against a single opponent in Premier League history.
Aston Villa have won just one of the last 39 Premier League games against Manchester United (L28 D10 W1).
United have scored 21 goals in their last seven Premier League games against Villa, averaging three per game.
Wayne Rooney has scored more Premier League goals against Villa than any other side (13).
Aston Villa have not won their opening two games of a Premier League season since 1999-00.
KICK-OFF TIME: 7.45pm (British Standard Time)
TV: Live on Sky Sports, highlights on BBC1
Read more at premier league.com
