Early team news for Carabao Cup clash

Tuesday 08 November 2022 12:01

Manchester United are preparing for a second showdown with Aston Villa in a short space of time, as Erik ten Hag takes charge of a domestic cup fixture for the first time.

The Reds welcome the Midlanders to Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round, hoping to set up a pre-Christmas date in the next stage by knocking Unai Emery's team out and going some way to avenging Sunday's Premier League defeat at Villa Park.

Thursday's tie kicks off at 20:00 BST, and is being shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.

It remains to be seen how many changes the boss will make to his line-up, even though the competition has sometimes been used to allow more game-time for squad players and youngsters. Bruno Fernandes is available again after suspension and Diogo Dalot can play, even though he is banned for Sunday's game at Fulham, the last match before the World Cup break.

We hope to get an update from Ten Hag on Antony and Jadon Sancho but Raphael Varane is out due to injury.

Anthony Martial made his return to action as a second-half substitute on Sunday, while right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is training with the main group.

Our pictures from Carrington also showed young forward Shola Shoretire working within the squad, he was among the substitutes in the last two first-team fixtures, against Real Sociedad and Villa. 

 

VILLA'S TEAM NEWS

The Midlanders have a couple of absentees who are cup-tied after already appearing in the competition - defender Jan Bednarek and midfielder Leander Dendoncker.

New boss Unai Emery may decide to shuffle his pack, in order to take a look at more players in action, with ex-Red Ashley Young one option to come in.

Diego Carlos (Achilles) and Philippe Coutinho (thigh) are ruled out through injury, while Leon Bailey left the field at Villa Park complaining of some pain in the rib area.

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