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Preview: Manchester United vs Aston Villa

Scene-setter: While Manchester United may have gained some breathing space in the top-four race with a win over Liverpool, the Reds won’t be easing up whatsoever when hosting an Aston Villa side battling to stay out of the relegation zone.

Form guide: Having reacted to an FA Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal in exemplary fashion with a 3-0 humbling of Spurs at Old Trafford, United were then equally impressive on the road when taking three crucial points away from Anfield courtesy of Juan Mata’s fine double. Meanwhile, former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has led a resurgence at Aston Villa, with three straight wins lifting them out of the Barclays Premier League’s bottom three places. Despite a slender loss to Swansea slowing their momentum somewhat, Villa's prospects of survival are now much better than they were prior to March.

Team news: Jonny Evans is again ruled out by suspension, while Chris Smalling could be doubtful after being forced off during England’s midweek clash with Italy. Marcos Rojo is in contention for a start after returning to action as a last-minute sub against Liverpool and there could be an update on Luke Shaw's fitness in Louis van Gaal's pre-match press conference. Villa harbour defensive concerns after Jores Okore suffered a swollen knee while away with Denmark. Nathan Baker also has a knee problem, while Ron Vlaar and Philippe Senderos are struggling with calf issues.

Did you know? United haven’t failed to score against Villa since December 2009, and have netted 27 goals against them in the subsequent 11 matches.

Opposition boss: Tim Sherwood was handed his first managerial role at a senior level when taking the reins in the wake of Andre Villas-Boas’ departure from Tottenham in 2013. Despite a reasonable stint in charge, Sherwood and Spurs parted ways at the end of last season and now the 43-year-old is tasked with maintaining Villa’s top-flight status. After successive defeats to begin with, Sherwood appears to have rejuvenated the bottom-half strugglers and has pushed them closer towards safety.

Rivals watch: Arsenal and Liverpool kick off Saturday's action with an important 12:45 BST meeting at the Emirates Stadium, while Chelsea will end the afternoon at home to Stoke City at 17:30 BST. Manchester City visit Crystal Palace on Monday at 20:00 BST.

Referee: Roger East has taken charge of only one other United game this season – February's 2-0 win over Sunderland. He'll be assisted by Richard West and Ian Hussin.

(Via ManUtd.com)