Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction: Visitors can add to miserable campaign

Fresh off a defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United will finish their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon (16:00, TNT Sports 1).

The highest the hosts can finish is 14th, while Villa are hoping to secure a top-five place. Read on for my Manchester United vs Aston Villa predictions, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

United emerged from the Europa League final unscathed injury-wise, and Wednesday even saw the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot all return from spells on the sidelines in a triple boost.

Lisandro Martinez will remain absent and Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt after missing United's previous four outings.

Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Victor Lindelof will be among those pushing for starts having been named on the substitutes bench in Bilbao. Ruben Amorim may opt to give some of his younger players minutes, meaning the likes of Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass and Chido Obi-Martin could feature in the starting XI.

As for Villa, they will be without Marcus Rashford due to him being ineligible to face his parent club, although the England forward would likely miss out through a hamstring problem anyway, while Youri Tielemans is also a doubt. However, Jacob Ramsey will return from a one-game suspension.

Ollie Watkins looks set to lead the line, supported in attack by the likes of Marco Asensio, Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen, and Ezri Konsa will partner Pau Torres at the heart of the defence.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Odds

United are 11/4 to claim all three points, the draw can be backed at 3/1, while the Villa win is available at 8/11, giving Unai Emery's side an implied win probability of 57.9%.

Watkins leads the anytime goalscorer market at 21/20, with Bruno Fernandes the shortest-priced for the hosts at 13/5.

Aston Villa to win @ 8/11

United will still be hurt by their loss in the Europa League final on Wednesday, and I don't expect to see a reaction here as they'll be desperate to get the season over and done with, after a miserable campaign.

Villa could also have gloomy faces come full time at Old Trafford as even a win might not be enough to secure Champions League football for next term.

United go into their final league match on a three-game losing streak and failed to score in their league losses to West Ham United and Chelsea, as well as Wednesday's final against Spurs in Bilbao.

On the other hand, Emery's men have been doing everything within their power to keep themselves in the fight for Champions League football, beating the likes of Fulham, Bournemouth and Tottenham without conceding a goal.

There's only one winner for me on Sunday, and that's the side with something to play for - Villa win at 8/11.

Manchester United under 0.5 goals @ 7/4

United have been goal-shy all season, and Wednesday's final was a prime example of that exact issue.

The Red Devils dominated possession against Spurs but were unable to do anything with it as they looked highly unlikely to break through. In fact, Amorim's men have scored just one goal across their last four encounters in all competitions.

I certainly can't see the Villa goalkeeper having to pick the ball out of his net on Sunday, as United simply don't carry a goal threat going forward.

Offers

Sunday: Build your own Bet Builder bet (3/1+) of 4+ legs on any Premier League game on Sunday and get 100% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £10 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours)

Sunday: Get DOUBLE or TREBLE the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd or 3rd in all Premier League matches on Sunday.

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.