Manchester United VS Aston Villa - Prediction

The Boxing Day is all set to feature a very high-voltage match in the Premier League. It is Manchester United hosting Aston Villa, one of the most surprising teams this season, at Old Trafford tonight. This season has been a disaster for Manchester United, as they have already lost eight of their first 18 games in the English Premier League. With 28 points, the Red Devils stand at 8th. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are living in their dream under Unai Emery. Aston Villa are fighting neck-to-neck with big names such as Arsenal and Liverpool. Currently ranked 3rd, they have 39 points, the same as Liverpool. They are just one point behind the table topper, Arsenal. It will be also a very important game for Erik Ten Hag as the pressure is continuously rising on him. Can Manchester United beat Aston Villa to release pressure from the manager?

Stats&Facts

• Manchester United have a very good winning ratio against Aston Villa. The Red Devils have won 38 of their 56 league meetings with Aston Villa, while they lost only five matches and the remaining 13 clashes ended in a draw.
• Since winning only two of their first 51 games against Man United, Aston Villa have won two of their last four encounters against the Red Devils.
• Manchester United holds the record for winning the most games (53) in the English League history on Boxing Day.
• Since losing to Liverpool in the 1978-79 season, Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 19 games played on Boxing Day.
• On the other hand, Aston Villa have lost each of their last two games played in the day after Christmas.

Team News

Injuries are a massive issue for Manchester United this season as they have been missing several key players since the start of the season. Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia have been the long absentees for the Red Devils, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also out of the team due to their respective injuries. Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial didn't play the game against West Ham United. However, the manager said Varane is fit again and ready to play, but Martial is still injured. The good news is Diogo Dalot is eligible to play again after serving a one-game suspension. As for the visitors, they will miss the service of Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Bertrand Traore, Youri Tielemans, and Robin Olsen due to their respective fitness problems. Possible Lineup for Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Varane, Reguilon; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford Possible Lineup for Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno; Zaniolo, McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Diaby, Watkins

Prediction: Man United 2-1 Aston Villa

Man United have lost a Boxing Day game since the 1978-1979 campaign. But this season is completely different for the Red Devils. They have been very inconsistent throughout the season. But Manchester United showed what they can do when they play collectively. The home advantage can be a massive factor for the Red Devils tonight. Although Aston Villa are flying in the league, it will be difficult for them to get three points from Old Trafford.

Betfair Odds

Man United: 2.39 Draw: 3.71 Aston Villa: 2.86 Visit BFB247 to get real-time Betfair Odds and an exclusive 2.5% commission on winning bets