Manchester United face Aston Villa in their third home Premier League game of the season, with kick-off being at 12:30.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team are unbeaten after their opening five league matches for only the second time in 10 seasons. They went eight games without a defeat from the beginning of 2017-18.
Villa have lost both of their away league games this season, and five of the past eight. They have suffered eight top-flight away defeats in 2021; only Southampton have lost more among current Premier League teams.
United go into the game knowing three points is needed from the match, as their rivals could drop vital points over the weekend.
At the same time, Chelsea are facing Manchester City in what is also a crucial tie at the top of the table. United will know that one, or both, of the teams will drop points, so it's important to capitalise on this. Otherwise, it will be a chance wasted and a similar mistake to the ones made last season.
Here is the team news:
Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes, Greenwood; Ronaldo.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Mings, Hause, Konsa, Targett, McGinn, J.Ramsey, Luiz, Ings; Watkins.
The big news for United is that Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the side and his presence will be needed for Solskjaer's team to win the game.
36-year-old Ronaldo has four goals in just three appearances so far during his second spell at the club and his movement will be crucial in the game as it would create more space for United's other attackers.
Paul Pogba lining up on the left will be an interesting battle against Villa right-back Matty Cash, who is currently in form for the claret and blue side. He scored in the 3-0 victory against Everton and United's attackers will have to track back and support the defence during their counterattacks.
Another big talking point is of the 'McFred' midfield pivot, which Solskjaer has opted for once again after the 2-1 league victory against West Ham. However, during moments of that match, Fred sloppily gave the ball away and his first touch let him down on multiple occasions. He will have to improve this aspect of his game because United need to dominate the midfield if they are to challenge for the title this season.
Aston Villa's front two in Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins will have to be watched by United's two centre-backs as they will be a handful up top. Watkins scored 14 league goals last season, whereas Ings scored 12 for Southampton. In order to nullify Dean Smith's biggest threats, they have to be stopped.
United loanee Axel Tuanzebe, who is on loan at Villa, doesn't make the team due to Premier League restrictions.
It will certainly be an intriguing game that United have to win.
What do you make of the team news? Follow our UnitedOnMyMind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the Aston Villa discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
