Early team news for Villa cup tie

The third-round tie is our third successive Monday match and affords the Reds a chance to avenge the home defeat to the Midlanders earlier in the campaign, even if both managers have changed since then.

Ralf has already admitted he may change the 4-2-2-2 formation after the setback against Wolves in our first outing of 2022, with a system incorporating three at the back used during the second half of the 1-0 loss.

Skipper Harry Maguire will hopefully be available again after experiencing pain following a blow to the chest in the 3-1 win over Burnley. Victor Lindelof is another centre-back who could rejoin the squad after an absence due to COVID-19.

Phil Jones performed excellently alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence but Eric Bailly is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast and Teden Mengi has been loaned to Championship side Birmingham City.

Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are both available, despite receiving bookings against Wolves that rule them out of the upcoming Premier League fixture with Villa on 15 January.

Paul Pogba has been out since picking up an injury while on international duty with France last year and Hannibal is another player at the Africa Cup of Nations but there should be a variety of options available for selection. 

Dean Henderson started our only other domestic cup game this season, the Carabao Cup clash with West Ham United at Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen if David De Gea remains in goal.

VILLA'S TEAM NEWS

Influential midfielder John McGinn is out of the league meeting with the Reds due to suspension but can play in the Old Trafford cup tie. Tyrone Mings is back from a one-game ban.

Ashley Young is battling to be fit to face his former club but Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet are in Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins appear to be doubts while Marvelous Nakamba is definitely ruled out with a knee injury.

On-loan defender Axel Tuanzebe is ineligible.