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Manchester United are expected to make changes to their starting eleven when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows his team could level Liverpool at the top of the table with a win in their opener of 2021 after the champions failed to beat Newcastle on Wednesday night.
United have been putting their team depth to great use in recent weeks with a number of changes for most matches, and that trend is expected to continue into the new year.
David de Gea is expected to maintain his place in goal with Dean Henderson more prepared for the cup playoffs against Manchester City and Watford next week, while Harry Maguire is a guaranteed starter at center-back.
Victor Lindelof is unlikely to take a chance as he returns from injury with Eric Bailly, the logical pick at the heart of the defense. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw remain the best winger options based on their recent form.
After missing early in the midweek win against the Wolves, both Fred and Scott McTominay should be ready to return in midfield, although Solskjaer might want to keep one of the two fresh for next week’s derby.
Bruno Fernandes is simply inescapable after a phenomenal calendar year, with Paul Pogba the only surprise option if United opted for a midfield diamond opposite the 4-3-3 favorite.
Mason Greenwood has struggled on the right wing in his second full season, so he could be replaced by Daniel James, while Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are expected to start, with Edinson Cavani suspended.
Predicted XI vs Aston Villa: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, Fernandes; James, Rashford, martial.
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