Man Utd predicted line-up vs Aston Villa as Erik ten Hag makes five dramatic changes

Manchester United will face Aston Villa in their second game in five days, and the team will be considerably different.

The Red Devils were defeated by the Midlands side in the Premier League on Sunday and will be looking for vengeance on Thursday night. Unai Emery’s team travels to Old Trafford to face Erik ten Hag’s men in the Carabao Cup third round.

Ten Hag is anticipated to field a much-changed lineup with United having a fast turnaround before their final top-flight encounter before the World Cup. That will likely begin with his goalkeeper, David de Gea, resting after starting every game this season.

Martin Dubravka will take his place, having yet to make an appearance since joining United on loan in the summer. Dubravka is a seasoned goalkeeper, and the match against Villa is an ideal opportunity for De Gea to take a vacation from his role in the club.

Despite a dismal showing against Villa, Diogo Dalot is set to preserve his place at right-back. Ten Hag is unlikely to risk injuring back-up Aaron Wan-Bissaka before Sunday’s game against Fulham because the Portuguese international is suspended.

Lisandro Martinez, on the other hand, is due for a rest after appearing in every United game this season. In lieu of the Argentine, Harry Maguire will start at center-back alongside Victor Lindelof in what may be his final club game before the World Cup.

Luke Shaw, like Dalot, had a stormy afternoon at Villa Park before being hauled off. Tyrell Malacia will replace him in the starting lineup for Thursday’s Carabao Cup match due to his poor performance.

Casemiro is ready for a rest after starting the last nine games in a row, while Christian Eriksen is also likely to be dropped from the starting lineup. Instead, a central midfield partnership not seen since the season’s start will take the field.

This will be provided by Fred and Scott McTominay, who has not started a game together since a thrashing at Brighton in August. There will also be alterations to the assault, with a completely new front four expected to be chosen.

Facundo Pellistri, a highly-rated teenager, will make his season debut at right wing. Bruno Fernandes was suspended for the Villa defeat but will return to the starting lineup in central attacking midfield.

Anthony Elanga will replace fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho on the left, as he attempts to force his way into Ten Hag’s plans. The last change will come up front, with Cristiano Ronaldo being replaced by Anthony Martial following a fateful afternoon in Birmingham on Sunday.

Martin Dubravka; Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia; Fred, Scott McTominay; Facundo Pellistri, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga; Antony Martial are expected to start for Manchester United against Aston Villa.