An all-Premier League tie completes the FA Cup third-round weekend on Monday night, as Manchester United and Aston Villa meet at Old Trafford (19:55).
These teams are arguably two of the most unpredictable sides in the top flight at this stage and both managers have key decisions to make over their starting line ups.
United are 4/6 to win the match in 90 minutes, with Aston Villa available at 19/5 and the draw can be backed at 3/1.
Rangnick likely to shuffle his pack
Defensive issues have been the biggest concern for Ralph Rangnick over recent weeks, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly missing for various reason.
That led to Phil Jones making his first start for almost two years against Wolves and although United lost that match, the former Blackburn man was one of the pluses for the United boss.
Bruno Fernandes started the 0-1 defeat on the bench and the Portuguese ace seems likely to start against Villa with Fernandes 11/5 to score at anytime. Meanwhile, Fred was also a substitute against Wolves and could return at the expense of Nemanja Matic.
This may be a game in which Rangnick feels he can give Cristiano Ronaldo a break, while Paul Pogba is out until February with a groin injury.
Switching our focus to the #FACup
@RaphaelVarane#MUFC pic.twitter.com/OpkfmA9k8A
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 10, 2022
It is six seasons since United last lifted the FA Cup, but with the Red Devils currently outside the top six in the Premier League and with Champions League football returning next month, Rangnick has bigger priorities this term.
Gerrard seeks repeat of Premier League win
After a bright start to his reign at Villa Park, Steven Gerrard has seen Villa’s results slip in recent weeks, with one win and three defeats in their last four matches.
That run has seen them slip to 13th in the table and with Villa well clear of the relegation scrap, Gerrard will see the FA Cup as the ideal opportunity to win his first piece of silverware as a manager in England.
The winner of Monday’s clash already knows the task awaiting them in round four, with the draw pitting them against Championship side Middlesbrough at home.
Against the ‘bigger teams’, especially on the road, Villa have looked to shut down the space and frustrate their opponents and look to hit them on the break.
Under Dean Smith, that plan worked to good effect earlier in the season when they collected a 0-1 win at Old Trafford thanks to a late goal from Kortney Hause. A repeat scoreline this time can be backed at 12/1.
Phillipe Coutinho joined Villa on loan last week, but won’t be available to play on Monday, instead he could make his debut in the Premier League against the same opponents on Saturday.
Danny Ings is available though, having made a return from injury in their last two match – scoring a goal in a 2-1 defeat at Brentford last time out.
Goals an issue for both teams
Not many would have predicted goals to be a problem for United this term, but that has proven to be the case in the last month.
Baring a 3-1 home win over Burnley at the end of last month, Rangnick’s men have only scored four goals in their other five matches.
Similarly, Villa have scored just four goals in their last four matches and have lost five of their last seven away games.
A Manchester United win and Under 2.5 goals in Monday’s third-round tie can be backed at 59/20.
*Odds correct at time of writing
