Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United

Aston Villa vs Man United Preview and Prediction

Aston Villa vs Man United Match Preview

Fourth placed Aston Villa will host sixth placed Manchester United at Villa Park in the Premier League on Sunday, February 11.

The hosts enter this contest on the back of a mixed run of form. They have won just four of their last 10 games across competitions. The other results were four draws and two defeats as the Villans looked to recapture their early season form. Unai Emery’s men have won just twice in their last five and have kept clean sheets in four of those games. Their last outing was a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United as they rekindled their goal scoring flame. Villa will look to do the same in their next game.

The visitors, on the other hand, are in a much better vein of form compared to their next opponents. They have won five of their last 10 games across competitions, drawing twice and losing thrice. However, they are unbeaten in their last five, winning four of those. During this run, United have bagged 15 goals as their frontline is finally beginning to show signs of gelling. Their last outing was a comfortable 3-0 home win against West Ham United as a brace from Alejandro Garnacho along with a Rasmus Hojlund goal sealed the deal. Erik ten Hag will look to extend their unbeaten run.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa

Emery will be without long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia as they are both recovering from cruciate ligament injuries. They will likely return to action only next season.

Apart from that, the only other concern is Ezri Konsa after he was subbed off around the hour-mark in Aston Villa’s 5-0 win over Sheffield. He will face a late fitness test before this game. The squad has no suspended players and neither is anyone at risk.

Having rotated his XIs a lot in recent weeks, Unai Emery finally seems to have a set system for the league and for cups. He will likely go with his strongest XI for this crucial game.

Predicted XI: Emiliano Martinez (GK), Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet, Alex Moreno, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn (C), Ollie Watkins.

ALSO READ: West Ham vs Arsenal Preview and Prediction.

Man United

Mason Mount, Manchester United
Mason Mount at United’s Carrington Training facilities. (Credit: Getty)

Ten Hag has a similar injury list, with Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial all unavailable long-term. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez suffered a heart-breaking injury setback in their 3-0 win over West Ham, having only come back from a long injury layoff in January. He will likely miss the remainder of the season.

The Red Devils have sufficient cover for their missing players, with Raphael Varane expected to slot into the XI. The rest of the XI will remain the same as Erik ten Hag looks to bring some consistency to the squad to try and better their performances.

Predicted XI: Andre Onana (GK), Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes (C), Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund.

Aston Villa vs Man United Head-to-Head & Prediction

Last 5 Games Head-to-Head

  • Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa (12/23)
  • Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa (04/23)
  • Man Utd 4-2 Aston Villa (11/22)
  • Aston Villa 3-1 Man Utd (11/22)
  • Aston Villa 2-2 Man Utd (07/22)

As you can see, meetings between these two teams have produced entertaining encounters with goals galore. Manchester United lead the head-to-head with three wins to Villa’s one, with the teams playing out one draw in recent times.

The last five meetings have resulted in 20 goals, with United scoring 11 and Villa scoring nine. Four of the last five have seen both teams score and the goals total exceed three, pointing towards yet another match of similar intensity.

Villa’s Leon Bailey vying for the ball with Man United’s Martinez. (Credit: Getty)

While United have been on the rise and finally look to be settling into rhythm, Villa will be looking to make the most of their proximity to the top of the Premier League and win this. This game could end in another entertaining score draw with little to separate the two sides.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Man United.

Betting Tips

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes.
  • Over 3.5 Goals: Yes.
  • Match Result: Draw.

Odds

  • Aston Villa Win: 2.15
  • Draw: 3.95
  • Man Utd Win: 3.40

Aston Villa vs Man United Timings & Telecast

  • Date & Time: Sunday, February 11th at 4:30 PM (GMT).
  • India: Star Sports Network, Hotstar app & website.
  • UK: Sky Sports.
  • US: Peacock Premium.

ALSO READ: Liverpool vs Burnley Preview and Prediction.