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Horse Racing Manchester United vs Aston Villa Predictions: Betting Tips, Best Bets and OPTA Stats
Looking ahead to Boxing Day evening, Nathan Joyes have our tips and predictions geared up for Manchester United vs Aston Villa in what should be a mouthwatering Premier League affair.
As Unai Emery’s side continue to deliver the goods, Erik Ten Hag will have his work cut out as his team continue to drift away from the Champions League spots.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Predictions
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 1: Aston Villa +0.25 AH
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 2: Aston Villa to win either half
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 3: Ollie Watkins Anytime Goalscorer
In this article:
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Team News
- The Predicted Premier League Table
- How to watch Manchester United vs Aston Villa
- Safer Gambling
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Predictions – Tip 1: Emery won’t leave empty handed
England, Premier League, Tuesday, December 26th, 18:00 (UK)
Aston Villa haven’t tasted defeat since the 5th November against Nottingham Forest, but their run since has been nothing short of flawless. Home wins over Manchester City and Arsenal has put them right into the title race conversation – but don’t worry, as their away form has almost matched that.
Key wins over Tottenham and Brentford have shown real resilience within the squad, and Emery is continuing to build something special with the Midlands club.
The same can’t be said for Manchester United. A 3-0 defeat to rivals Man City was arguably expected, but a repeat scoreline vs Bournemouth definitely wasn’t. Although a 0-0 draw with Liverpool followed, the lack of consistency and defensive vulnerabilities are a huge concern for both fans and Ten Hag.
His tenure may not last the season if he isn’t able to instil any confidence within his side – and whilst his players aren’t fighting for the shirt, Emery’s players are.
At home, United have only scored 10 goals in nine matches – three of which came against Nottingham Forest – and their lack of firepower is highly concerning. A high volume of injuries also isn’t ideal.
An early or opening goal for the visitors may see the Old Trafford faithful silenced once more and land our slightly cautious selection.
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 1: Aston Villa +0.25 Asian Handicap
- Best Odds: 1.80
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 2: Villa to punish poor back line
Old Trafford is far from the fortress it once was with Brighton, Bournemouth and Man City all scoring three goals there this season. With only Pep Guardiola’s side having scored more than Villa, Emery’s side will look to be ruthless once again this Boxing Day.
And it’s their ruthless edge that has seen them fly up the table. Their comeback from a goal and man behind against Brentford showed their winning mentality isn’t just saved for performances at Villa Park.
After falling behind against Tottenham, Emery’s side dug deep to score two and turn the game in their favour. Not many sides will achieve that at either Brentford or Tottenham, and if they match the same intensity at Old Trafford, Villa can walk away with the three points.
It’s important to note that this bet has landed against Brentford, Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Fulham in recent weeks – there’s no reason as to why United won’t be added to this impressive list with their current form.
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 2: Aston Villa to Win Either Half
- Best Odds: 1.76
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 3: In-form goalscorer to fire once more
If Aston Villa are to be victorious in Manchester, it’s highly likely their England international striker will be in the thick of it.
Ollie Watkins has been the main man this campaign having scored nine goals and provided six assists (prior to the Sheffield United game).
The 27-year-old was responsible for the winners against Brentford and Tottenham in recent weeks. Since his winner at Stamford Bridge, Watkins hasn’t gone more than two games without scoring, and he’s clearly thriving under Emery’s leadership.
It’s those in behind which are making Watkins’ job easier, too. With high-flying wing backs in Alex Moreno and Matty Cash, as well as playmakers John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey, the service has been on point so far this campaign.
With 35-year-old Jonny Evans likely to start in the heart of the defence, Watkins will easily have the pace to get the better of the former Northern Ireland international. A goal, or brace could well and truly be on the cards.
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa Tip 3: Ollie Watkins Anytime Goalscorer
- Best Odds: Awaiting Odds
- Bookmaker: Awaiting Odds
- Stake: 7/10
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Team News: Dalot to return after suspension
Diogo Dalot missed out on the trip to West Ham after his red card late on against Liverpool, but will be eligible for Boxing Day. Bruno Fernandes, who missed out on the clash at Anfield, was back in action against West Ham and will be ready for selection once more.
There will be no one back from injury for Ten Hag, with Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount all expected to still be out.
Villa will have no fresh injury concerns heading to Old Trafford, although Boubacar Kamara will miss out after his straight red against Brentford.
The Predicted Premier League Table
Updated: 18th December 2023
| SITION | CLUB | GAMES | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 38 | 24.9 | 7.4 | 5.7 | 75.4 | 33.4 | 42.1 | 82.1 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 38 | 22.9 | 8.2 | 6.9 | 83.2 | 40.4 | 42.9 | 76.8 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 38 | 22.5 | 9.3 | 6.2 | 77.9 | 40.4 | 37.5 | 76.8 |
| 4 | Aston Villa | 38 | 22.5 | 6.4 | 9.1 | 76.1 | 49.1 | 27.0 | 73.8 |
| 5 | Newcastle | 38 | 21.0 | 6.1 | 10.9 | 80.9 | 46.7 | 34.2 | 69.2 |
| 6 | Tottenham | 38 | 19.0 | 7.4 | 11.6 | 72.4 | 56.9 | 15.5 | 64.4 |
| 7 | Chelsea | 38 | 16.8 | 8.3 | 12.9 | 69.5 | 55.0 | 14.5 | 58.7 |
| 8 | Brighton | 38 | 15.8 | 9.7 | 12.5 | 67.9 | 62.0 | 6.0 | 57.1 |
| 9 | Manchester Utd | 38 | 16.8 | 5.6 | 15.7 | 51.1 | 56.4 | -5.3 | 55.9 |
| 10 | West Ham | 38 | 14.9 | 7.5 | 15.6 | 58.7 | 66.9 | -8.2 | 52.1 |
| 11 | Brentford | 38 | 14.1 | 8.8 | 15.2 | 57.9 | 53.3 | 4.6 | 51.0 |
| 12 | Bournemouth | 38 | 12.7 | 8.8 | 16.4 | 53.4 | 67.0 | -13.5 | 47.1 |
| 13 | Everton | 38 | 16.3 | 6.7 | 14.9 | 53.9 | 51.0 | 2.8 | 45.7 |
| 14 | Fulham | 38 | 12.4 | 7.9 | 17.7 | 53.3 | 64.4 | -11.1 | 45.1 |
| 15 | Crystal Palace | 38 | 10.8 | 9.9 | 17.2 | 43.6 | 57.3 | -13.7 | 42.4 |
| 16 | Wolverhampton | 38 | 11.1 | 8.6 | 18.3 | 47.2 | 65.8 | -18.6 | 42.0 |
| 17 | Nottingham | 38 | 9.1 | 10.2 | 18.7 | 40.7 | 62.1 | -21.4 | 37.5 |
| 18 | Burnley | 38 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 24.6 | 36.6 | 73.2 | -36.6 | 26.8 |
| 19 | Luton | 38 | 6.3 | 7.3 | 24.4 | 39.7 | 79.1 | -39.4 | 26.2 |
| 20 | Sheffield Utd | 38 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 27.0 | 28.8 | 88.2 | -59.4 | 21.1 |
Man United vs Aston Villa OPTA Stats: Watkins amongst it on the road
- Manchester United have won 38 of their 56 Premier League games against Aston Villa (D13/L5), the highest win rate of any side to have faced another at least 40 times in the competition (68%).
- Aston Villa have won two of their last four Premier League games against Manchester United (D1/L1), as many as they had in their previous 51 against them (D12/L37).
- Ollie Watkins has been directly involved in eight goals in his nine Premier League away games this season, scoring four and assisting four. All eight of these have either put Aston Villa in the lead (4) or drawn them level (4) in the match.
- Aston Villa have lost on Boxing Day in the last two Premier League seasons (1-3 vs Chelsea in 2021-22, 1-3 vs Liverpool last season). They last did so in three consecutive campaigns between 2012-13 and 2014-15.
How to watch Man United vs Aston Villa
- Date and Time: Tuesday, December 26th, 18:00 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Amazon Prime Video
SAFER GAMBLING
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