Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Aston Villa are looking to continue their strong start to the season and we are backing them to do so with a win over Man United. Villa are in fantastic form with no losses in their previous seven, including an impressive 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Man United have not won in their last two league games, with a negative three goal difference after six games. Six of the last seven involving Villa have seen over 2.5 goals scored, with six in the last eight for United. There should be goals in this fixture as it has seen over 2.5 goals scored in six of the last seven – Aston Villa 2-1 Man United

Manchester United make the trip to face an in-form Aston Villa side, looking to build some momentum of their own after a stuttering start.

Date: 06/10/24

Kick-off time: 14:00

Venue: Villa Park

The pressure is growing on Man United boss Erik Ten Hag after a recent string of poor results. They currently sit in 13th after six games with just seven points. United have won two league games so far and only once in the last five. Their latest defeat was a damning one, as they lost 3-0 at home to Tottenham. Although they played the second half with 10 men, they were lucky not to be down by more goals at the break.

It does not get easier for the Red Devils, as they now travel to take on Aston Villa, who have made another good start to the season. Their 13 points has them in fifth position, outside of the top four on goal difference. Villa have lost just once this season, that defeat coming against Arsenal in the second game.

Both teams come into this one following European games, though Villa will have the advantage of one extra day of rest and no travel. They hosted Bayern Munich in the Champions League whilst United travelled to Porto in the Europa League.

This fixture should provide goals with neither team secure at the back. The hosts have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league all season, and Ten Hag’s men have not done so since the first game. However, the visitors have really struggled in front of goal, scoring five goals so far. They have been shut out in three of their six games. Villa have scored over double with 12.

No player has scored more than one, but United will be hoping the recent return of Rasmus Hojlund will provide a much needed boost. Villa’s Ollie Watkins got off to a slow start but is heating up with four in his last three league games. Jhon Duran has provided an excellent option off the bench with four goals, showcasing the strength in depth they possess. Morgan Rogers has also emerged as a dangerous threat from midfield.

Since 2021, these two teams have played against each other 10 times in all competitions. United have been the superior side, winning seven and losing twice. They did the double over Villa last season with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford and 2-1 win at Villa Park, which was the most recent meeting. Hojlund and Scott McTominay scored either side of a Douglas Luiz equaliser. Aston Villa have not won in this fixture since November 2022, when they won 3-1 at home in the league.

Aston Villa vs Man United will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League.

Aston Villa

Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey were substituted with injuries in their last game, so their availability is in doubt. Matty Cash could return from a thigh injury. John McGinn, Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara will still be out, but are expected to come back following the international break.

Man United

Bruno Fernandes will be available after seeing an appeal to overturn his red card successful. Kobbie Mainoo was substituted with an injury and his status is yet to be determined. Mason Mount suffered a head injury but also picked up a knock so could miss out. Luke Shaw is hoping to be back after the international break. Leny Yoro is still a long-term absentee.

Aston Villa:

In their last five games, Aston Villa have won four and drawn one. It has been a strong start to the campaign for Villa, despite the added pressure of Champions League football. European action was where this run started, with a 3-0 win away at Young Boys to get them up and running with three points. Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana were the goalscorers.

Their winning run continued in the league, as they came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 at home. Matheus Cunha put the visitors in front, but three goals in the final 20 minutes from Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran turned it around. There was also success in the EFL Cup, as Villa advanced with a 2-1 win at Wycombe.

Last time out in the league they dropped points away at Ipswich. Both teams took a lead in this one, but Villa could not hold onto their 2-1 advantage. Liam Delap scored a brace for the home side, whilst Morgan Rogers and Watkins also netted. A huge clash with Bayern Munich was the most recent fixture, and at Villa Park they won 1-0 over the German giants. Duran was the scorer off the bench with a fantastic finish over Manuel Neuer.

Man United:

In their last five games, Man United have won one, lost one and drawn three. It has been a rough stretch for United, which has seen them drop in the Premier League table. Their only win of this run came at the start against lower league Barnsley in the EFL Cup. It was an emphatic 7-0 win, which included braces from both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

They were unable to bring this attacking momentum into their next league game as they were held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace. They had plenty of chances but failed to make a breakthrough. Their struggles continued into Europe, as they drew their first game of the campaign against FC Twente. Christian Eriksen had given them the lead but this was cancelled out with 22 minutes to go.

Tottenham were the next visitors to Old Trafford, but again they fell to defeat. It ended 3-0 with goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke. Bruno Fernandes was sent off at 1-0, but this red has since been overturned on appeal. A return to Europa League action followed as they made a tricky trip to Porto in their most recent game. A 3-3 draw saw them squander a 2-0 lead before equalising at the death through substitute Harry Maguire.

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