LONDON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Manchester United will look to build on its midweek Champions League comeback against Roma at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, with manager Michael Carrick under mounting pressure as his side battles to avoid the Premier League relegation zone.
United sits fourth from bottom and could slip into the bottom three before kickoff if Nottingham Forest beats Manchester City or Crystal Palace earns a point against Liverpool.
Carrick has survived growing speculation over his future, but entering the international break in the relegation zone could leave his position untenable. Tuesday's fightback against Roma offered encouragement, although United must now show it can reproduce that resilience domestically.
Aston Villa arrives at Old Trafford unbeaten in five Premier League matches, despite being held to a 1-1 home draw by Fulham last weekend.
Unai Emery's side also suffered a 3-0 defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek, although the scoreline did not fully reflect Villa's attacking opportunities.
Liverpool will also be looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola's side lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal last weekend before its defensive weaknesses were exposed again in Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce, raising questions about its Premier League title credentials.
Liverpool will nevertheless fancy its chances against a Palace side missing the suspended Jean-Philippe Mateta and struggling defensively. Palace manager Pierre Sage is also facing increasing scrutiny over his position.
Third-placed Brighton hosts seventh-placed Brentford in another significant contest in the race for European qualification.
Brighton's attacking approach will be tested by Brentford's defensive organization and threat from set pieces, with both sides seeking to strengthen their positions near the top of the table.
At the other end of the standings, bottom side Sunderland hosts Chelsea after a difficult start to the campaign.
Injuries and the demands of European competition have contributed to Sunderland's struggles - a sharp contrast to the optimism surrounding the club after its 2-1 home victory over Chelsea secured European qualification at the end of last season.
Chelsea remains without the injured Joao Pedro, but Xabi Alonso's side will be confident of taking three points at the Stadium of Light.
Elsewhere, Ipswich Town hosts a Bournemouth side looking to carry the momentum from another successful European outing into its domestic campaign. ■
