Man Utd vs Aston Villa – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Red Devils have won their last five home matches vs Villa. Unai Emery’s side have just one win in their last six in the league, and played Thursday night in France.

Man Utd Form

Manchester United have seen six wins, one loss and a draw in eight matches under Michael Carrick. His first three matches in charge saw wins over Man City (2-0), Arsenal (3-2 away) and Fulham. A late goal was needed to see off the Cottagers.

United beat ten-man Tottenham 2-0 in a dominant display. They need a last-gasp goal to rescue a 1-1 draw away at West Ham. After winning 1-0- at Everton, they beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at home with a 20-8 shot count. Their last match saw a 2-1 loss away at Newcastle as they allowed 2.48 xG despite facing ten men for the entire second half.

Man Utd Team News

Man Utd remain without Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu for this one. Mason Mount is nearing a return and could make the bench.

Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui need late fitness tests to determine their involvement. Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo are pushing for recalls to the XI.

Man Utd Motivation

United will play to win this match and open up a gap in third spot. A draw is far from a disaster but it opens the door to the teams below them.

Carrick’s side may struggle if Villa allow them to have the ball. If leading, they will revel in the space afford to them once Aston Villa open up.

Aston Villa Form

Aston Villa have won just once in six league matches. Their hopes of a top five finish are under threat if they can’t regain form in the league. Across their last 27 matches in all competitions, it’s 18 wins. A 3-1 home loss to Newcastle in the FA Cup ended a possible route to silverware. A 1-1 home draw vs Leeds was a poor result.

Villa suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Molineux to bottom-placed Wolves. A 4-1 home thrashing followed against Chelsea as they allowed 3.60 xG. On Thursday, Villa won 1-0 away at Lille in the Europa League as they scored from their only shot on target.  

Aston Villa Team News

Unai Emery is without two key midfielders in Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara. Harvey Elliott has shaken off a knock, but Ross Barkley missed the match in midweek.

Andres Garcia has returned at right back, but Matty Cash is an injury doubt. Lamare Bogarde and Pau Torres are set to keep their places in the back four.

Aston Villa Motivation

Villa sit level on points with Man Utd in the table, but just three points above the two teams below them. They need to avoid defeat in this match at the very least.

Unai Emery’s side can play an open, attacking game or sit deep and counter. The latter approach is expected at Old Trafford.

Key Stats

• Man Utd have won 6 of their last 8 matches
• Man Utd’s Benjamin Sesko has scored 7 goals in his last 438 minutes of football
• Aston Villa have lost their last 5 away matches at Man Utd
• Aston Villa have won just 1 of their last 6 league matches
• Aston Villa have lost just 2 of their last 13 away matches (9 wins, 2 draws)

Verdict

The stats point to a home victory. United should be fresher and more confident in this one.

Featured Bet: Man Utd win, both teams to score and Sesko to score anytime at 4.50

Best Bet: Man Utd win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.30