Manchester United vs Aston Villa Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Aston Villa:
Martinez; Cash, Hause, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; El Ghazi, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins
Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on the first day of 2021. The Red Devils have collected 30 points, just three less than leaders Liverpool. The real situation could be even better as United have a match in hand. In other words, they could be level with the actual champions. Ole Gunar Solskjaer, who was under heavy pressure after the defeat from Tottenham in October, is enjoying the moment now. The current form is fantastic, 7 victories and 2 draws on the last 9 league matches. Manchester United managed to beat Everton, WBA, Southampton, West Ham, Sheffield United, Leeds and Wolverhampton in the last round. The Tuesday's game with the Wolves seemed destined to be a draw, but Rashford scored deep into stoppage time and brought his team three points. The goal came exactly at 92 minutes and 51 seconds, the latest winning goal in a Premier League game at Old Trafford since September 2009, when Michael Owen scored at 95:27 against Manchester City. It was a lucky goal as his shot was deflected off Romain Saiss to leave Rui Patricio completely wrong-footed, though nobody could say Manchester didn't deserve the victory. Rashford could also be satisfy as this is his first goal at Old Trafford in the Premier League after 845 minutes of play, since netting in July against Southampton. Bruno Fernandes should also be mentioned for the assist. Since his Premier League debut in February, he was directly involved in 32 goals (scored 18 and assisted 14) in the Premier League, more than any other player. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is high. Solskjaer has most of his players available, only few injury issues. Victor Lindelof, who suffered a back injury in the match against Leicester City last Saturday, is rated as doubtful. Most probably the Swede will not be risked. Solskjaer, who heavily rotated against Wolverhampton, is expected to do the same again. He made six changes to the starting eleven, the most in the Premier League since April 2019. Some of the players that started from the bench against the Wolves (Mata, Martial, Fred, James, Shaw, Henderson, van de Beek, Tuanzebe and McTominay) could be starters now in order to provide fresh legs. Defender Marcos Rojo remain long-term absentees.
Aston Villa had a perfect start in the Premier League this season. They secured four victories in the first four rounds, including a fantastic 7:2 win over the reigning champions Liverpool in the third round. It was the first time since the season 1930/31 Villa to opened a Premier League campaign with four victories. The fans started to dream about the title, while many pundits commented about possible new "Leicester City situation". Nevertheless, the Villans are currently sharing the fifth place with four other teams - Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Southampton. They all have 26 points, but Aston Villa and Manchester City have matches in hand as they played only 14 games so far. In theory, Villa could reach 32 points, one less than actual leaders Liverpool. The current form is very good, they are unbeaten on the last five matches in the Premier League, winning three of them. Dean Smith's men managed to beat Wolverhampton, West Bromwich and Crystal Palace, while shared the points with Burnley and Chelsea in the last round. The draw at Stamford Bridge is definitely a good result for any side, so I believe the fans were satisfied. The Blues took the advantage after 34 minutes, but Anwar El Ghazi rescued a point for Aston Villa with his fifth goal in as many games. He is in good form and become the first Aston Villa player to score in three successive Premier League appearances since Tom Cleverley in May 2015. Similar to their opponents, the atmosphere between the players is very good. And of course, the confidence is high. However, Smith has no big roster like his counterpart Ole Gunar Solskjaer. This will be the third match in just six days and the players are surely tired. Key midfielder Grealish played the whole 180 minutes on the last two matches, as well as Cash, Target, McGinn, Hause, Watkins and goalkeeper Martinez. Douglas Luiz was replaced in the 91st minute against Palace, meaning he could be added to the previous group. So, eight players are desperate for rest and I think they won't be able to give their maximum at Old Trafford, particularly in the second half. Some players are not available , like Trezeguet and Wesley. Ross Barkley, who didn't featured since the end of November, is rated as doubtful.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction:
Both teams are in good form, however Manchester United are closer to the victory. The Red Devills have seven victories on the last nine matches in the Premier League. More important, Solskjaer has bigger roster, something very important in the busy festive period. Eight players from Aston Villa were involved 90 minutes against Crystal Palace last weekend and 90 minutes against Chelsea on Monday.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Pick: Home win @ 1.75 with Unibet