Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction: United to tame toothless Villa

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (14:00 GMT, live on Sky Sports Premier League) in what could be a pivotal clash in the race for the top four.

Villa were 1-0 winners against Lille on Thursday night in the Europa League, while United suffered their first defeat under Michael Carrick's stewardship last time out versus Newcastle United. Read on for my Manchester United vs Aston Villa predictions, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Noussair Mazraoui was forced off in the second half against Newcastle, but the Morocco international was back training with the Red Devils earlier this week, so he could be available for Sunday's clash. Luke Shaw also went off injured at St James' Park, and his availability remains unclear.

Mason Mount, Matthjis de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu wil all miss out for United, as will Argentina international Lisandro Martinez.

After playing on Thursday night, Unai Emery may opt to shuffle the pack for the trip to Old Trafford. John McGinn played the final 13 minutes against Lille on his return from injury but he'll likely have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Matty Cash is a doubt, while Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans both remain on the the treatment table, and Jadon Sancho is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Odds

The hosts are 8/11, giving them an implied win probability of 57.9%, the draw is 3/1 and Villa are 7/2.

Both teams to score is 4/6, and Benjamin Sesko is currently favourite to score anytime at 6/5.

Manchester United to win to nil @ 2/1

Backing United to win to nil here appeals for a few reasons which make sense, on paper at least.

Villa have been toothless in front of goal recently - they haven't scored more than one goal in any of their last eight matches across all competitions, managing just five strikes in their last seven in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick's side did suffer a setback last week against Newcastle, yes, but I'm expecting a reaction on Sunday. In addition, Villa *should* be fatigued having played Thursday night in the Europa League.

Benjamin Sesko to score anytime @ 6/5

Sesko fired a blank against Newcastle but his form prior to the trip to St James' Park is among the best in the division, earning him the PFA Premier League Fans' Player of the Month for February.

The Slovenian has scored six in his last eight appearances, and at times he's been living off scraps. Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were relatively quiet against Newcastle, but I think one of them can turn provider for Sesko here.

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