Prediction: Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

Verdict: Aston Villa win to nil

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Knowing that they can remarkably climb to the top of the Premier League table, Aston Villa will welcome Sheffield United to the Midlands on Friday night.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, only continuing on what has been a history-making Premier League romp, Aston Villa find the mood in their camp at a famous high. Last seen mounting a dramatic late comeback away at Brentford as they clinched a 2-1 victory, Unai Emery’s men are riding a remarkable wave of momentum. Breezing their way to the Europa Conference League knockout stage earlier in the month, the former Arsenal boss will certainly be calling on his squad to make another statement here. Suffering just a single loss in any of their previous 16 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to September 27th – Villa have also continued to gain a reputation for their stunning success on home soil. Last seen at Villa Park picking up a 1-0 victory against title contenders Arsenal, Friday’s hosts have won all of their last 15 straight Premier League showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Shown a late red card during Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 win away at Brentford, French international midfielder Boubacar Kamara will serve a suspension here. However, both serving their own respective one-match bans over the weekend, the duo of Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne could make a full return on Friday night.

Continuing to break a string of records this season and already recording nine Premier League strikes, the red-hot Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s charge this weekend. Forced to settle for another spot on the bench against Brentford, summer recruit Moussa Diaby could be handed a full recall.

Sheffield United

As for the visitors, while Sheffield United might have claimed a crucial 1-0 victory against Brentford earlier in the month, the Blades came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Putting in a toothless performance as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Chelsea, returning boss Chris Wilder knows that he has a major uphill battle on his hands. Still sat rock-bottom of the Premier League table and tipped as a landslide contender to make an immediate Championship return, Friday’s guests face a monumental challenge here. Losing four of their previous five appearances, Wilder’s men have also gained a reputation for their extended issues away from Bramall Lane. In fact, Sheffield United have picked up just a single point from their first eight top-flight showdowns on the road.

Team News

While Jack Robinson might have served a one-match suspension away at Chelsea over the weekend, the one-time Liverpool defender could make a full return here. However, all still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Wilder will once again be without the likes of John Egan, Rhian Brewster, Chris Basham and ex-Everton midfielder Tom Davies.

While Scotland international Oil McBurnie might have bagged just a pair of Premier League strikes this season, the 27-year-old should keep his spot leading Sheffield United’s attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• Aston Villa have won all of their previous 15 straight Premier League showdowns in front of their own supporters.
• Likewise, Emery’s high-flying squad have lost just one of their previous 16 straight appearances across all formats.
• Sheffield United have lost four of their previous five Premier League showdowns.
• The Blades have also collected just a single point from their first eight Premier League appearances away from Bramall Lane.
• England international Ollie Watkins has notched nine top-flight strikes so far this season.

Conclusion

Knowing that they can famously climb to the top of the Premier League table on Friday night, Aston Villa will certainly feel that they have been handed a golden opportunity. Winning all of their last 15 straight top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters, Emery’s men will be looking to cash in on a Sheffield United squad that find themselves at the heart of a top-flight nightmare. Collecting just a single point from their first eight Premier League matchups away from Bramall Lane, it is hard to see anything other than a routine home victory here.

Verdict: Aston Villa win to nil 

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet