Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to collect another heavyweight scalp and extend on their sensational purple patch, Aston Villa will welcome Manchester United to the Midlands on Sunday afternoon.
Aston Villa
Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings back in August, Unai Emery’s men have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Suddenly at the heart of what has become a real fairytale, the Villains open this weekend’s fixtures remarkably sat just three points adrift of top spot. Coming from behind twice last week as they eventually snatched a 3-2 victory away at relegation scrappers West Ham, the one-time PSG boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent. Securing a last-gasp 2-1 win at home against leading title contenders Arsenal earlier in the month, Emery’s high-flying squad have won all of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions. Breaking plenty of long-standings records, Villa should be confident of making another major statement here.
Aston Villa Team News
Once again missing out away at West Ham last weekend, skipper Tyrone Mings remains on the sidelines with a hamstring issue. Likewise, dealing with a recent muscle injury, Aston Villa are once again sweating over the fitness of Spanish International Pau Torres.
Bagging a stunning Premier League brace away in east London last time out and now registering six direct goal contributions in his last seven outings across all competitions, Morgan Rogers should play a leading role. Despite notching just a pair of Premier League strikes since the end of September, Ollie Watkins should keep his spot spearheading Emery’s attack.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have suffered just a single Premier League defeat since the end of September, it is no secret that Ruben Amorim’s men are once again searching for some crucial stability. Eventually forced to settle for what was a spectacular 4-4 stalemate at home against Bournemouth on Monday night, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous seven top-flight showdowns. Watching their European dreams take a dent on either side of November’s international break, Man United have also shown some extended defensive issues. Playing out consecutive 2-2 draws against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest prior to November’s fortnight interval, Amorim’s leaky defence will certainly be asked some stern questions when they travel to the Midlands this weekend.
Manchester United Team News
Set to feature for Morocco at the 2026 AFCON, Manchester United will be without ex-Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui this weekend. Likewise, dealing with a recent hamstring issue, England international Harry Maguire remains on the sidelines.
Registering 10 direct goal contributions in his last six appearances for club and country, skipper Bruno Fernandes will certainly play a leading role in the Midlands. Notching just a second Premier League strike against Bournemouth on Monday night, big-money summer recruit and former Wolves striker Matheus Cunha will lead Amorim’s attack this weekend.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- When Aston Villa and Manchester United signed off the 2024/25 campaign back on May 25th, the Reds collected a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
- Aston Villa have won all of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all formats.
- Likewise, Emery’s side have won all of their last eight showdowns at Villa Park.
- The Red Devils have won just a pair of their previous seven Premier League appearances.
- Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has registered 10 direct goal contributions in his last six appearances for club and country (six goals, four assists).
Conclusion
Coming from behind away at West Ham last week and in the midst of what has become a remarkable nine-match winning run across all competitions, Aston Villa will be confident of claiming another heavyweight domestic scalp here. Shattering a string of records and opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, we could be treated to another Premier League thriller from the Midlands. Likewise, with Manchester United playing out a spectacular 4-4 stalemate at home against Bournemouth earlier in the week, neutrals will be hoping for a repeat outcome on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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