Gabby Agbonlahor has named his combined Aston Villa and Manchester United XI ahead of their clash this weekend.
The two sides meet at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off at 4.30pm.
Luke Shaw of Manchester United appears dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 15, 2025 in Manchester, England.
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Agbonlahor has named just one United player in his combined XI with VillaCredit: Getty
It is a clash which could play a crucial role in the Premier League title race and the hunt for a top four finish.
Villa come into the match on a nine-match winning streak across all competitions dating back to the start of last month.
However, they have a woeful recent record against United, winning just one of their last nine meetings.
Despite that, Agbonlahor has included just one of Ruben Amorim's players in his combined XI.
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The former Villa striker admits this is in part due to a pair of United stars missing the match due to the Africa Cup of Nations, though.
Villa and United combined XI
Agbonlahor revealed his combined side during talkSPORT Breakfast on Thursday.
He explained: "I’ve been fair and there’s certain players that we should say, (Bryan) Mbeumo and (Amad) Diallo, who have gone to AFCON so are not available.
"So, I’ve gone for (Emiliano) Martinez in goal. I’ve gone for Matty Cash at right-back.
"I’ve gone for (Ezri) Konsa and (Pau) Torres in my centre-halves and (Lucas) Digne at left-back."
Co-host Alan Brazil interrupted to remind Agbonlahor that it was meant to be a combined XI.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 15, 2025 in Manchester, England.
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Bruno Fernandes is the only United star to make Agbonlahor's combined XI ahead of Sunday's clashCredit: Getty
In response, he said: "That’s my honest combined (team). Have you seen Manchester United’s defence? So poor.
"Midfield, I’ve gone for (Boubacar) Kamara and (Youri) Tielemans, top, top midfielders doing fantastic this season, with Bruno Fernandes as a number 10. I’ve pushed him forward in the team.
"Off the right, I’ve gone for John McGinn. Off the left, Morgan Rogers and (Ollie) Watkins down the middle.
"Mbeumo would have been in there and Diallo maybe, but they were away."
United's trip to face Villa will be their first match without Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to AFCON.
The pair could be on unavailable for up to seven matches if Cameroon and Ivory Coast reach the final.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at London Stadium on December 14, 2025 in London, England.
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Villa have won their last nine matches in all competitions including six league victoriesCredit: Getty
Justifying his selection, Agbonlahor added: "We’re looking at a team of Aston Villa that have won 10 of the last 11 games, on a nine-match winning streak. Third in the league on 33 points. Manchester United, where are they?"
Since losing to Liverpool on November 1, Villa have won nine matches in a row across all competitions, including their last six in the league.
Another win on Sunday could see Unai Emery's side end the weekend level on points with league leaders Arsenal.
Meanwhile, United are aiming to move into the top four after finding themselves in sixth after Monday's draw with Bournemouth.
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The Red Devils have lost just one of their last nine matches against Villa in all competitions.
Their solitary defeat in that time was a 3-1 victory for the hosts at Villa Park in November 2022.