Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction: Villa to add to United’s struggles

| December 24 |

2 mins read

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a Boxing Day clash (20:00) as both sides look to get back to winning ways.

The hosts were comfortably beaten by West Ham United in their last encounter, while Villa shared the spoils with Sheffield United.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction

Aston Villa to win @ 7/4
Both teams to score - no @ 6/4

Team News

Raphael Varane missed United's defeat at West Ham through illness, so he could be a doubt again here. However, Diogo Dalot will be available for selection again after serving a suspension for his sending off against Liverpool.

The likes of Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez all remain on the treatment table.

As for the visitors, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings remain long-term absentees, but Boubacar Kamara could return to the fold after being suspended for the draw with Sheffield United.

Match Odds

Man Utd are 6/4 to claim a much-needed victory, while Villa are 13/8 to take the three points back to the Midlands and the draw is 5/2.

Over 2.5 goals in 4/7 to land, while Ollie Watkins is the favourite to score anytime at 6/4.

Aston Villa to win @ 13/8

Despite dropping points against Sheffield United, Villa are enjoying a brilliant campaign and currently second in the table.

It's mainly due to Villa's home form that's seen them ascend up the table, but Unai Emery's side are unbeaten in their past three away outings and have picked up wins over Brentford and Spurs.

They take on a United side who failed to build on their clean sheet at Anfield on Saturday, when they were comfortably beaten by West Ham United. Erik ten Hag's side have only one win in their last five and they've fired blanks in their past four games.

Both teams to score - no @ 6/4

As mentioned above, United have struggled to score in recent weeks, while Villa have scored in seven of their last eight outings.

Under 2.5 goals could also be a play here at 5/4, but I can't see the Red Devils getting on the scoresheet here. They've looked toothless going forward and Rasmus Hojlund has struggled to replicate his Champions League showings in the Premier League.

It's hard to see United scoring as they don't have a reliable goalscorer, and only Sheffield United have scorer fewer in the league than Ten Hag's men.