Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal could name an unchanged starting lineup when he takes his team to play Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Danny Blind and Luke Shaw are unlikely to feature until the Christmas fixtures while midfielder Angel di Maria is unlikely to be considered for a return to the starting XI.

Six victories in a row, including last week's 3-0 triumph over Liverpool, have taken United up to third position, five points behind Manchester City and eight adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Despite their positive results, Van Gaal will remain concerned by his side's performances but with room for improvement, there is every reason for supporters to be optimistic at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed that he is "down to the bare bones" as he attempts to contend with five games in the space of two weeks.

Lambert must do without the suspended Kieran Richardson, Alan Hutton and Tom Cleverley at the weekend, while Joe Cole, Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos won't be fit enough to feature in the 18-man squad.

However, the club was boosted by the substitute appearance of Fabian Delph during the 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday and he seems a certainty to be drafted into midfield.

The setback at The Hawthorns was Villa's first in six matches which has left them five points ahead of the relegation zone.

Aston Villa:

Recent form: DDDWWL

Possible starting lineup: Guzan, Lowton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Delph, N'Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke

Manchester United:

Recent form: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Evans, Young; Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, Rooney; van Persie, Wilson

Sports Mole says: 1-3