The eyes of the footballing world turn to Villa Park this afternoon for a blockbuster clash between title-chasing Aston Villa and Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.
Villa are currently on a sensational run of nine straight wins in all competitions, a feat that has transformed them from top-four hopefuls into genuine title contenders.
A victory today would not only move them within three points of league leaders Arsenal but would also mark the first time since 1914 that the club has recorded ten consecutive wins.
Unai Emery has turned Villa Park into a true fortress, with the squad showing a level of tactical maturity that has seen them dispatch the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City in recent weeks.
United arrive in Birmingham seeking stability after a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. While Amorim’s side is unbeaten in their last five away games, defensive inconsistencies continue to plague them.
They will be without the suspended Casemiro today, forcing a reshuffle in midfield where Kobbie Mainoo is expected to play a central role.
United have historically enjoyed success at Villa Park, winning more games there than at almost any other away ground, but they face a Villa side that is arguably at its strongest in the modern era.
With Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in peak form, the hosts are favorites to make history.