Man Utd v Aston Villa – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the English Premier League at lunchtime on Saturday. United have beaten the Villans on more occasions than any other side and will want to bounce back from two cup defeats in their last three matches. Dean Smith’s side has been great to watch this season and carries a real threat with their strike force of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

Man Utd Form

Man Utd has four wins and one draw from their five league matches this season. Only Southampton have taken a point off the Red Devils, who themselves have conceded in four of their matches but have scored 13 goals.

After a 4-1 home win against Newcastle on Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut, they were beaten 2-1 in the last minute away at Young Boys in the Champions League. A dramatic 2-1 win at West Ham followed before a 1-0 home defeat to the same opponents in the Carabao Cup which was a much-changed team.

Man Utd Team News

United remains without Marcus Rashford due to injury whilst Edinson Cavani is still making his way back from a knock. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rested his entire team in midweek against West Ham and all the starters will return.

Paul Pogba could play from the left-wing again with Mason Greenwood on the right. Jadon Sancho is struggling for any semblance of form so is expected to be left on the bench. Ronaldo will lead the line with Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield.

Man Utd Motivation

United have a must-win Champions League match against Villarreal in midweek but will have full focus on taking three points here as they enjoy three home matches in a row (four including the Carabao Cup).

Solskjaer’s team has been quite open and adventurous this season and will believe they can outscore the opponents even if they concede the first goal.

Aston Villa Form

Villa has had a reasonable start to this season with two wins and a draw in five league matches. A 3-2 loss at Watford began the campaign as they were constantly caught on the counter. A 2-0 win against Newcastle followed before a 1-1 draw with Brentford. Despite playing an excellent first half, Dean Smith’s men were beaten 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Their last league match brought a resounding 3-0 home win against Everton as three scored three goals in 14 second-half minutes. Matty Cash and Leon Bailey were on target as well as their own goal. In midweek, the side lost on penalties to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup as a much-changed team performed well and drew 1-1.

Aston Villa Team News

Winger Trezeguet is out long-term whilst John McGinn is seriously doubted in midfield due to a concussion. Leon Bailey came on to score and assist against Everton but then went off injured and could miss this match.

Matt Targett is another doubt as left-back and if he fails to recover, then Ashley Young would start at his former club. Dean Smith could use a 3-5-2 formation for extra solidity with Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as a front two with Emi Buendia behind them.

Aston Villa Motivation

Villa has played some enterprising stuff this season and is not going to sit back. They will take the game to Man Utd and may feel they can cause problems for a leaky defence.

The side has conceded three goals in each of their away league matches this season and tends to come across as a bit carefree. That could lead to a thrilling match but also conceding several goals.

Key Stats

United have won 7 of their last 11 home PL matches (D2, L2)

United have scored 43 goals in their last 15 home PL matches

No team in PL history have won more matches against an opponent than Utd’s 37 vs Villa

Bruno Fernandes has scored 3 goals in 3 matches vs Villa

Since the start of February, Lingard (11) has scored the second-most goals in the PL

Villa have lost five of their last eight away PL matches (W2 D1)

Villa have lost their 2 away PL matches this season, conceding 6 goals

Verdict

This looks set to be a home victory but Villa can cause real problems and have more than enough to score at least once. The best bet could be a home win with both sides on target.