The standout fixture of the weekend arrives at Villa Park, where in-form Aston Villa host a depleted Manchester United side in what could prove a defining moment of the Premier League season.
Villa's remarkable run
Unai Emery's side have won nine consecutive matches and sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal. The transformation from their sluggish start has been remarkable, built on defensive organisation, efficient attacking transitions and the outstanding form of Morgan Rogers, whose five league goals include a match-winning brace against West Ham.
Ollie Watkins continues to lead the line with intelligence and movement, bringing teammates into play while maintaining his own goal threat. This Villa side have found a balance that makes them genuine title contenders.
United's AFCON and injury crisis
Ruben Amorim faces his most challenging squad selection since arriving at Old Trafford. Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui have all departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, removing key attacking and defensive options in one sweep.
Casemiro serves a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards, forcing Amorim to choose between Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. The manager has admitted Ugarte is "struggling" both in matches and training, yet the Uruguayan may still start given Mainoo's reduced minutes under the new regime.
The defensive situation remains concerning. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are both injury doubts, with Amorim admitting post-Bournemouth that he doesn't know whether either will be fit. The 4-4 draw with Bournemouth exposed United's defensive fragility – they have kept just one clean sheet all season.
Amorim's tactical dilemma
Reports suggest Amorim has been working on a 4-3-3 formation to address defensive concerns. The draw with Bournemouth saw Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Diogo Dalot form an unfamiliar back four that lacked cohesion. A formation change at Villa Park against opponents in this form would represent a significant gamble.
United's away record offers hope – unbeaten on the road since late September with wins at Liverpool and Crystal Palace. Villa Park, however, represents their sternest test.
Key tactical battle: United's defensive transitions
Villa's counter-attacking quality will punish any defensive lapses. United conceded 26 league goals before this fixture, with only five teams shipping more. Against a side as clinical as Villa in transition, the Red Devils' defensive organisation will be severely tested.
Prediction
Villa's momentum and United's absences point to a home victory. Emery's side have the tactical sophistication to exploit United's defensive vulnerabilities. A 3-1 victory for Villa, extending their winning run to ten matches.
