Premier League: A Sunday Showdown with Plenty at Stake

Aston Villa vs Manchester United

When Aston Villa and Manchester United meet there can so often be Premier League highlights.

In fact, cast your mind back to the inaugural season and these were the top two in the country, going head-to-head for the title in an enthralling battle which remained evenly poised until the last few weeks when the Red Devils burst clear.

Now as far as 2024-25 is concerned this is no title battle (although Villa are flying high), but make no mistake – the stakes remain high and the desire to win just as intense as it’s always been.

 

Talking Points

For the second time in four days, this is another big one for Villa after their wonderful midweek triumph in Europe, arguably their most famous result for a quarter of a century.

In a re-run of the 1982 European Cup Final, Unai Emery’s class of 2024 repeated their iconic victory by the same scoreline against the same opponents on a night which will live long in the club’s history.

That will ensure they come into this final game before the international break on a high and eager for another victory to keep them at the sharp end of the Premier League table.

By contrast, United are in midtable and the only constancy they have displayed in the opening six weeks of the campaign is inconsistency.

Victories over Fulham and Southampton were deserved and encouraging displays.

In polar opposite, defeats to Brighton and Liverpool witnessed a series of woeful individual mistakes – followed up by last Sunday’s insipid showing at home to Spurs (albeit not helped by a harsh sending-off of their captain) – has caused much frustration for management and the club’s followers alike.

The pressure appeared to be increasing even further on Thursday night when they let a 2-0 lead at FC Porto slip in the Europa League.

However, an injury time equaliser from Harry Maguire earned a welcome point and, perhaps more crucially, demonstrated a spirit and a team displaying character and determination for themselves and their manager.

Indeed, this was evident at full-time as Erik ten Hag and his players, applauding United’s travelling fans inside the Estadio Do Dragao, received warm applause back in return.

It remains to be seen whether the injury that appeared to force Marcus Rashford off in Portugal will rule him out on Sunday, likewise Mason Mount must be a doubt after missing the trip, while teenage midfield star Kobbie Mainoo travelled to Portugal but was not deemed quite ready to be included on the bench.

Likewise, it is not yet known if Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, who limped off against Bayern, and Leon Bailey, who had to be subbed, can be involved in this one as the congested schedule continues to affect those playing in Europe.

 

History

United completed a league and cup double over Villa last term, two games in which they showed their mettle.

On Boxing Day, Villa were on course to secure only their third win at Old Trafford in 36 league visits when they took a 2-0 half-time lead through goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker.

Yet United rallied after the interval and, inspired by teenage wonder Alejandro Garnacho, refused to let their heads drop.

After he had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside decision, the 19 year-old Argentine led the fightback, scoring twice in a game for the first time in his career to turn the game on its head.

Rasmus Hojlund then notched his first ever Premier League goal to send the Old Trafford faithful into raptures.

Six weeks later, United were 2-1 winners at Villa Park with Holjlund again on target.

Douglas Luiz equalised but Scott McTominay netted an 86^th minute winner to seal a fourth successive triumph over Villa.

Manager Unai Emery did manage to see off the Red Devils in his first game in charge of the Midlanders in November 2022.

On that occasion, Villa opened up a 2-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes on their way to a 3-1 win – Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey were the marksmen for the home team.

Overall, United have 106 victories against Villa who have tasted success on 51 occasions themselves with a further 41 draws.

 

Betting Tip

Villa are favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.

You can back them 1X2 @ 2.21 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.21.

United, on the other hand, are slightly adrift, priced 1X2 @ 2.81 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.29 – which is my *** tip.

The Draw is on offer @ 3.40, whereas a repeat of the corresponding game last term, Correct Score 1-2, will pay out @ 10.50.

If you fancy goals aplenty, then it’s worth looking at Over 3.25 @ 2.16, Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.05. 4-6 @ 2.47 or how about 0-1 @ 4.05 if you’re more defensively minded.

   

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