Onward To Villa Park - Manchester United vs. Aston Villa Preview

Tottenham…In Short

Manchester United topped Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, kicking off the season with a 1-0 victory.  The lone goal came courtesy of Tottenham as Kyle Walker was "credited" with the bizarre own goal.  United got the result, regardless of how, which is the most important take away.

New arrivals Matteo Darmain, Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastion Schweinsteiger and Sergio Romero all saw action as the high profile signs looked like solid additions.

Romero stole the show, making crucial stops in the later stages of the match.  Schneiderlin played well aside Michael Carrick, with the pair combining for a pass completion average of 91.55%.  Memphis and Darmain also had strong performances for United, completing 86.2% and 86.1% respectively in their first starts for United. 

In a match that did not see Marouane Fellaini (suspended), Marcos Rojo (rest?) David de Gea and Victor Valdes not suite up…signs moving forward seem to point towards both keepers’ departures from Old Trafford.

August 14^th vs. Aston Villa – Fantasy Preview

Best Buy

Wayne Rooney is the man to have in all fantasy formats

Heading into the second week of the season, Wayne Rooney is the guy to watch at Villa Park.  Against Tottenham Rooney and Depay showed signs that once more familiarized they will be a strong attacking connection.  The last time Rooney faced Villa he found the net, during a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on April 4^th 2015.  It would be a surprise if they were not able to generate more offense this weekend.  Even more so, that if they do, Rooney does not join the scoring party.

Watch The Net and Central Midfielders

Sergio Romero wasted no time informing spectators that he wants the starting role in goal.  The uncertainty surrounding de Gea and Valdes seems to have him linked to holding down the duties in goal until their futures are determined.  Carrick was his normal passing wiz self last weekend, look for him to feature again, with him and Schweinsteiger as a nice mid second half swap combo. 

Formation Forecast

 4-2-3-1 

GK: Sergio Romero – In my opinion Romero did enough to earn his second start for United.  The Argentinean stopped all four shots faced against Tottenham.

LB: Luke Shaw – The youngster changed his number from 3 to 23, former holder was the departed Tom Cleverley, citing that he feels more comfortable in it.  Against Tottenham the 20-year-old looked so, recording five clearances.

CB: Chris Smalling – Smalling stood out last weekend recording a block and seven clearances while completing over 50 passes.  His presence is proving essential in the backline.

CB: Daley Blind – Blind is the most versatile player for United.  He can play in the midfield or as a defender, with class in each.  Last week he completed 56 passes and communicated well with his outside defenders.  Rojo will potentially feature here when he returns to play.

RB: Matteo Darmain – Matteo put in a very good 81 minutes in his first start.  He is a vintage fullback, with the potential of mirroring greats like Gary Neville.

CDM: Michael Carrick – His ability to distribute the ball coolly is an attribute that allows United to sustain deploying offensive focused midfielders.  Playing as a defending midfielder he achieved a 96.8% pass completion against Tottenham, crowning him as top passer. 

CDM: Morgan Schneiderlin – Most would think that Bastion Schweinsteiger would occupy the role adjacent to Carrick.  However, LVG may favor Schneiderlin again due to his engine-like work rate.  Starting him allows Schweinsteiger to be an impact, super, sub. 

AM: Memphis Depay – Depay linked well with Rooney against Tottenham.  Getting him more comfortable with his new teammates and the style of EPL should be LVG’s top priority.  The Dutchmen scored 28 goals in 40 total appearances for PSV last season, with this game primed for his first EPL tally.

LAM: Ashley Young – He is too fast to not be a part of the starting XI; it is as simple as that.  Young registered the only shot on goal last week and now is set to face his former club.

RAM: Juan Mata – The Spaniard completed 43 passes against Spurs, while drawing the most fouls for United.  His shifty technical ability and distribution should create plenty of chances for his fellow attackers.

FW: Wayne Rooney – In a world of transfer chaos Rooney is United’s rock.  The British Bulldog has scored at least 11 league goals in ever season since arriving in 2004-05.  When healthy he is a lock for this spot.