Despite a 3-2 defeat in Rome in the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final, Manchester United booked their place in the final and now they must revert their attention to domestic duties where they will compete in three Premier League games across just six days. First up for the Reds it’s a trip to face Villa Park but Manchester City could seal the league title with a win over Chelsea on Saturday evening before United take to the field. United are currently 2nd on 67 points while their hosts are 10th with 48 after their 2-1 win over Everton last weekend. United didn’t play of course, as a result of a fan protest that spilled onto the Old Trafford turf. The Reds were scheduled to face old rivals Liverpool but that game will now take place on Thursday with Leicester in between on Tuesday. United do remain unbeaten on the road this season after 17 matches with 10 wins to their name and they were 3-0 winners here last July.
Villa returned to winning ways after three games without a victory last Saturday night. Villa’s season looked as if it was going to fizzle out but a win on Merseyside could offer renewed hope for Dean Smith’s side. The hosts are just a point behind Arsenal with a game in hand so a top-half finish is likely but with one win in six at home, questions will still be asked. Villa were held to a 2-2 draw by Midlands rivals West Brom in their last home game and have won six of their 16 matches at Villa Prak this season.