Merson and fellow pundits agree on Man United's chances against Aston Villa

Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Erik ten Hag's side are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions following their midweek Europa League victory over Real Sociedad and will be confident of stretching that run into double figures against opposition under new management.

The Midlands side will be playing their first game with Unai Emery at the helm following his appointment as Steven Gerrard's replacement. Here is a look at how prominent pundits are predicting the game will unfold.

Writing on his BBC predictions page, the former Celtic striker said: "Manchester United continue to impress me under Erik ten Hag - I like what he is doing with Manchester United, and they keep finding a way to win games, like they did against West Ham on Sunday.

"Aston Villa got walloped by Newcastle last weekend, and although I think they will be better in Unai Emery's first game in charge, I can see him coming unstuck against Manchester United."

Ex-Arsenal winger Merson concurred, writing on his Sporskeeda column: "Manchester United are a much better team now, and I'm very impressed with what Erik ten Hag has done so far. They used to lose Premier League games like the one they had against West Ham - now they're riding their luck and winning them.

"Aston Villa scored four past Brentford the other day and went on to lose to Newcastle by the same margin the week after. If they lose this game as well, they're not far away from what they were doing under Gerrard. They have hard games up ahead, and I wouldn't be surprised if they find themselves in the relegation zone on New Year's Day. Manchester United have now played eight games without a defeat. They're on a roll now and I'd be shocked if they dropped points this weekend."

Lawrenson also believes United will be too strong for Villa. Writing for Paddy Power, he said: "Villa capitulated at Newcastle last week and I don’t see them getting anything here.

"Manchester United have now made themselves more difficult to beat, they’re not conceding too many goals. I wouldn’t say they’re in sparkling form, or have turned the corner or anything, but they’ll win this one.