These early-season Premier League matches are always a fascinating affair with teams changing tactics, integrating several new players or both, trying to get settled in for the year to come. Manchester United are trying to build on last season’s fourth-place finish while bedding in several key new players in their side, hoping to launch a title push again after two frustrating years for the giant club.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United 2015: Start time, TV schedule and live stream
That newness, coupled with a few key injuries, could leave United vulnerable this early in the season, giving Aston Villa a chance to pounce and take a second straight win to open the season. They’re working in a number of new players themselves, as well as a notable tactical shift from what they closed the season with. But even with that in mind, they’ve looked remarkably better both in the preseason and their season opening win than they did at basically any point during their last campaign. They’re far from a “sure thing” yet and can still crash and burn, but they’re one of about a dozen teams in the Premier League who look like they could create a lot of surprises over the coming months.
New Player To Watch -- Idrissa Gueye (Aston Villa)
Gueye is one of the highlights of Villa's busy summer transfer window, and he should help bring them that reliable defensive presence in their midfield that they've often lacked in recent years. He was impressive in the season opener against Bournemouth, but Manchester United are a much different test. We'll be getting a good look at just what kind of player Villa bought in this match.
Key Matchup -- Jordan Veretout (Aston Villa) vs. Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United)
This matchup between new arrivals could be not just one of the most important of the match, but also the most entertaining. Veretout is the new creative hub of this Villa side in the 4-3-3 Tim Sherwood has implemented for this season, and his talents go a long ways toward helping make them a more dangerous side. That means it's going to be up to Schneiderlin, United's defensive maestro against Villa's attacking conductor. Of course, Schneiderlin can be dangerous going forward himself, so Veretout will be busy on both ends of the pitch.
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Jose Crespo (knee), Carless Gil (muscular), Gary Gardner (ankle), Jores Okore (knee), Jack Grealish (hamstring) In doubt: none
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Phil Jones (blood clot), David de Gea (coach's decision), Victor Valdes (coach's decision), Marouane Fellaini (suspended) In doubt: Marcos Rojo (fitness)
Both teams are lacking a few key players for this match, though Aston Villa likely have the better depth at their battered positions to deal with their injuries. With Jones missing out and Rojo likely to need more time to get back up to full speed, United’s back line is looking awfully thin.
Match Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. -- English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet 360 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. -- English), NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportnset World Now (Canada), Sky Go UK (U.K.)
See More:
