How Manchester United could line up against Aston Villa

Manchester United continue their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League when they travel to the West Midlands to take on a struggling Aston Villa side on Thursday evening.

United have won their last four on the bounce in all competitions and continued their prolific goalscoring form at the weekend, with relegation-threatened Bournemouth proving no match for the Red Devils as the Cherries succumbed to a 5-2 defeat at Old Trafford.

While fifth spot may be enough for Champions League qualification this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are only two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea as things stand, although the Blues have a London derby with Crystal Palace to contend with on Tuesday and could extend their lead to five points before United take to the field later this week.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how United could line up for their showdown with Villa.

Out: Axel Tuanzebe (unspecified), Phil Jones (knock) Doubtful: Victor Lindelof (back)

> Click here for Manchester United's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Given the manner of United's impressive victories since the Premier League was given the green light to resume, Solskjaer is expected to field an unchanged lineup once again for the trip to Villa Park.

The Norwegian's only confirmed absentees are Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones, both of whom may not be able to play again until next season, but the pair would struggle to earn a place in this free-scoring United side at the moment.

United's only fresh injury concern is Victor Lindelof, who was hauled off at half time in the victory over Bournemouth due to a back problem. The defender is expected to make the cut for Thursday to partner Harry Maguire, but Eric Bailly could deputise in the heart of defence if Lindelof fails to recover in time.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper David de Gea has not covered himself in glory throughout the season, but the Spaniard is in no real danger of losing his number one spot.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have formed an effective midfield partnership following the Premier League's resumption, and the duo are expected to keep Fred and Scott McTominay on the bench once again.

Defences have struggled to contain the prolific attacking quartet of Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in recent weeks, and all four players are shoo-ins to start in midweek.

Fernandes, Rashford and Martial all bagged one goal while Greenwood netted a brace in the thrashing of Bournemouth, and the United frontline should fancy their chances against an Aston Villa side that has shipped more goals than any other team in the top flight during the 2019-20 campaign.