Manchester United vs Aston Villa predictions: United may take time to get job done
Ian Wilkerson
Michael Carrick has put Manchester United firmly in the race for a top-four finish
One win in six games means Aston Villa have work to do to keep pace
Recommended bet: Tie-Manchester United half-time/full-time
Manchester United have put all their eggs in one basket after early exits in both domestic cup competitions, but they are going well in the Premier League and will be confident they can bounce back from defeat to Newcastle by beating Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Villa have been in the top-four mix for most of the season and even looked like potential title challengers at one point, but manager Unai Emery will want them to steady the ship after successive league losses to Wolves and Chelsea.
The latest Manchester United vs Aston Villa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team news
Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are missing for United while Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez are doubtful, and Noussair Mazraoui faces a late test on his ankle problem.
Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans will again be missing from the Villa midfield while full-back Matty Cash is also out. Jadon Sancho is ineligible against his parent club.
The latest Manchester United vs Aston Villa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
The stats
Both teams have scored in 23 of United’s 31 matches this season.
Aston Villa have won just two of their last nine league games.
United have won six of their last eight league matches.
Six of Villa’s last seven outings have featured fewer than three goals.
Villa have lost eight games this season and have failed to score in six of them.
United are unbeaten in their last eight home league games.
The latest Manchester United vs Aston Villa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Prediction
These teams look to be heading in different directions and it is no surprise to see Manchester United at odds-on after some strong form under Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils have turned the corner with wins over Manchester City and leaders Arsenal also boosting confidence that the good times may be back and they should be confident they can extend an eight-match unbeaten run at Old Trafford by beating Villa.
Their opponents have drifted out of title contention and need to pick themselves up after league defeats against bottom-of-the-table Wolves and Chelsea, who left Villa Park with a 4-1 success.
A 1-0 Europa League win over Lille will have boosted the mood, but they have won on just two of their last 37 league visits to Old Trafford, so it would be a surprise if they took the points.
It looks worth backing United to win after drawing at half-time. They have been ahead at the interval in just two of their last 12 matches and seven of those games have been level at the break, so there looks to be plenty of scope for that happening again.
Back Tie-Manchester United half-time/full-time at 18/5 with LiveScore Bet.
The latest Manchester United vs Aston Villa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
