Is Aston Villa vs Man Utd on TV? Date, kick-off time, team news, referee & prediction

After an all-important final Europa League group stage clash against Real Sociedad ended in disappointment on Thursday, Manchester United will now turn their attentions to their weekend tie with Aston Villa. The Red Devils failed to claim the two clear goals needed to take top spot of Group E, despite Alejandro Garnacho’s early goal.

While United will now be forced to compete in the play-offs in February, they can now focus on continuing their five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag’s side will travel to Birmingham this weekend as they face Villa in Unai Emery’s first match in charge. Steven Gerrard was sacked last month and replaced by Villarreal’s Emery, almost three years after he parted ways with Arsenal.

The Spaniard will be eager to impress in his first match at the helm, though only managed to beat United once during his time with the Gunners. Goals from Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirmed a 2-0 win for Emery’s side that left the Red Devils in fifth place.

A win for Ten Hag this weekend could take them into the top four, though they would be relying on Southampton beating an in-form Newcastle United side on the south coast. Meanwhile, Villa will be looking to claw their way up as high as eleventh in the table - extending the nervy gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

Here is all the key information ahead of Aston Villa vs Man Utd this weekend...

When is Aston Villa vs Man Utd?

United will travel to Villa Park on Sunday November 6. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2pm. Both the home and away ends are said to be sold out ahead of the clash - four days before the two sides meet again in the Carabao Cup.

Is Aston Villa vs Man Utd on TV?

The match will not be broadcast on TV in the UK as another Premier League tie has been chosen for Sky Sports’ live coverage. West Ham v Crystal Palace and Southampton v Newcastle are also scheduled to kick off at 2pm, while it is the latter that will be broadcast on TV. Tottenham vs Liverpool will follow at 4:30pm.

Radio commentary can be accessed via BBC Radio 5 Live or you can watch Match of the Day 2 to catch the highlights at 10:30pm on Sunday night.

Who is the referee?

Anthony Taylor has been appointed the referee for Aston Villa vs Man Utd. The Wythenshawe-born official was last present for a United game when they lost to Middlesbrough on penalties in the FA Cup fourth round last season.

Prior to that he refereed the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in November. last year, where he awarded Chelsea a penalty for an Aaron Wan-Bissaka foul. Taylor has never shown a red card while officiating in a United game.

Team news

Erik ten Hag will be without Bruno Fernandes this weekend as he serves a one-match ban after picking up his fifth booking of the season against West Ham last weekend. The midfielder has been an ever-present figure in the United starting line-up since the Dutchman arrived at the club.

Antony has been absent through injury since United’s win over FC Sheriff, while Jadon Sancho missed out on the midweek trip to Real Sociedad with illness - however, both could make their return this weekend. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial returned to training earlier this week after almost a month on the sidelines and could make his long-awaited comeback at Villa Park.

Elsewhere, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos both remain as long term absentees for Villa. Ludwig Augustinsson could return from a hamstring injury, while Emiliano Martinez will be assessed after suffering concussion in their defeat to Newcastle.

Prediction

Aston Villa proved they can really turn up the heat when they thrashed Brentford 4-0 following Gerrard’s departure, however their defeat to the Magpies the following week also showed their defensive weaknesses.

They have also only had a matter of days training under Emery, so a potential upset may come too early for the Midlands outfit.

Predicted score: Aston Villa 1-2 Man Utd