Man Utd given another reason to beat Crystal Palace

Unai Emery’s side missed another chance to strengthen their top-four hopes, falling 2-0 to Wolves at Molineux.

Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes both scored for the hosts, who completed a league double over Villa this season.

Villa have now won just once in their last five matches, and United have the opportunity to leapfrog them into third if they can take care of business against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Liverpool and Chelsea could also take advantage if they pick up wins this weekend. The Blues face Nottingham Forest before turning their attention to a midweek clash with Villa that will carry even more weight in the top-four race.

Morgan Rodgers told Sky Sports after the loss: “It does weigh on us, but it shouldn’t. We deserve to be here and we should not forget that.

“Our run lately has not been as good as usual but that is the battle of the Premier League. We are going to get back to our good run of wins.”

If United need any extra motivation heading into the Palace match, Villa’s recent form has certainly provided it. A win would make it back-to-back victories for Carrick’s side and push them into third place.

Manchester United set to face Aston Villa soon

Before that trip, Villa will have to take care of business against Chelsea.

They then head to Old Trafford, where United will be looking to make up for their 2-1 defeat at Villa Park back in December.

Rodgers scored both goals for Villa that day, while Cunha got on the scoresheet for United.

The reverse fixture came before Michael Carrick took over as head coach and the results have certainly improved since his arrival.