With both teams on 51 points, Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday for a potentially electric encounter.
Man United have had more time to rest with no European football and are out to return to winning ways here. Michael Carrick’s charges were stunned 2-1 by Newcastle in their last league outing.
Despite the defeat they remain in third place, level on point with fourth-place Villa who are coming off back-to-back league defeats to Wolves and Chelsea. They however battled to a 1-0 first leg away victory against Lille in the Europa League.
The visitors are looking to complete a league double over United for the first time after a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture on December 21. Morgan Rogers inspired the victory with a goal in either half of the match.
Will United bounce back and make it three straight defeats for Aston Villa? We have a look at the key details and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Man United vs Aston Villa start?
The game kicks off at 5PM E.A.T
Man United vs Aston Villa team news
The Red Devils are not expected to make any changes to the XI that started in the defeat against Newcastle. Harry Maguire and Lenny Yoro will start in the heart of defense.
Casemiro and Kobie Mainoo are the preferred pair in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes further up the field.
New signing duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Mattheus Cunha will start as well, with Benjamin Sesko expected to be the focal point of the hosts attack.
Villa will also name a similar XI despite the pair of defeats with Ollie Watkins leading the attacking line. The English forward scored the solitary goal in the Lille win in midweek.
Man United vs Aston Villa head-to-head and current form
With three wins and just one defeat in their last five matches, United come into the game on a much better run of form than their opponents.
Villa have only won once in their last five matches in all competitions. They have also lost three games in that run – increasing the pressure for a positive result here.
In the recent matches between these sides, United have been the better side – winning three of the last five head-to-head matches and losing just once.
Current form:
Man United – LWWDW
Aston Villa – WLLDL
Man United vs Aston Villa previous games
Man United vs Aston Villa prediction
With home advantage, United are tipped as favorites to avoid defeat against a struggling Villa side. The top four places are also on the line with two teams hot on their heels and this could make this a rather cagey encounter.
Prediction – Man United to win or draw (1X) – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!