After missing the chance to go top of the standings as they stumbled to a 1-1 home draw with lowly Sheffield United, Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Boxing Day with a tricky trip to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's Red Devils lie in wait and even though they've largely disappointed this season, just like last time out in their 0-2 loss away to West Ham, they've looked fairly strong and stable on home soil in league action.
Villa also famously struggle at this ground too high could hamper any potential success in this one. Across their past 12 visits to this famous venue, they've won on just one occasion, something manager Unai Emery will be desperate to improve upon this time around.
BET: Man United vs. Aston Villa latest odds on DraftKings
The Sporting News previews the game below with our prediction and best bets.
MORE: English Premier League table 2023/24: Updated EPL standings
Man United vs Aston Villa match facts
- Date: Tuesday, December 26, 2023
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT)
- Location: Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
- Last meeting: Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa (April 30, 2023 | Premier League)
Man United vs Aston Villa prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Aston Villa (+180)
- Score prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Aston Villa
| MNU win | Draw | AVL win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings (USA) | +135 | +265 | +180 | -210 / +160 | -175 / +135 |
*Odds correct as on December 23.
Man United vs Aston Villa best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals scored
- Odds: +135 (DraftKings)
Even though Aston Villa remain capable of scoring at will if they're in the mood, Emery's side will likely find the going tough in this one.
Their 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United last time out highlighted their inability to make their chances pay and they could come unstuck again here in a similar vein. As a result, we're going to take the under 2.5 goals scored here at +135 with DraftKings and expect a cagey affair at Old Trafford.
Man United vs Aston Villa prop bet
- Pick: Ollie Watkins to score anytime
- Odds: +140 (DraftKings)
This season under Unai Emery's tutelage and in this Aston Villa system, Ollie Watkins has absolutely thrived. On top of his eight assists in the Premier League, the England international has added nine goals which have helped to push Villa into the title conversation.
Across all competitions this term, Watkins has actually scored 14 times in 25 appearances, eight of which have come away from home. It must be said that he has struggled against United before, only scoring once across his eight meetings with the Red Devils but this time around, we're expecting him to add to that tally.
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