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Looking ahead to Boxing Day evening, Nathan Joyes have our tips and predictions geared up for Manchester United vs Aston Villa in what should be a mouthwatering Premier League affair.
As Unai Emery’s side continue to deliver the goods, Erik Ten Hag will have his work cut out as his team continue to drift away from the Champions League spots.
In this article:
England, Premier League, Tuesday, December 26th, 18:00 (UK)
Aston Villa haven’t tasted defeat since the 5th November against Nottingham Forest, but their run since has been nothing short of flawless. Home wins over Manchester City and Arsenal has put them right into the title race conversation – but don’t worry, as their away form has almost matched that.
Key wins over Tottenham and Brentford have shown real resilience within the squad, and Emery is continuing to build something special with the Midlands club.
The same can’t be said for Manchester United. A 3-0 defeat to rivals Man City was arguably expected, but a repeat scoreline vs Bournemouth definitely wasn’t. Although a 0-0 draw with Liverpool followed, the lack of consistency and defensive vulnerabilities are a huge concern for both fans and Ten Hag.
His tenure may not last the season if he isn’t able to instil any confidence within his side – and whilst his players aren’t fighting for the shirt, Emery’s players are.
At home, United have only scored 10 goals in nine matches – three of which came against Nottingham Forest – and their lack of firepower is highly concerning. A high volume of injuries also isn’t ideal.
An early or opening goal for the visitors may see the Old Trafford faithful silenced once more and land our slightly cautious selection.
Old Trafford is far from the fortress it once was with Brighton, Bournemouth and Man City all scoring three goals there this season. With only Pep Guardiola’s side having scored more than Villa, Emery’s side will look to be ruthless once again this Boxing Day.
And it’s their ruthless edge that has seen them fly up the table. Their comeback from a goal and man behind against Brentford showed their winning mentality isn’t just saved for performances at Villa Park.
After falling behind against Tottenham, Emery’s side dug deep to score two and turn the game in their favour. Not many sides will achieve that at either Brentford or Tottenham, and if they match the same intensity at Old Trafford, Villa can walk away with the three points.
It’s important to note that this bet has landed against Brentford, Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Fulham in recent weeks – there’s no reason as to why United won’t be added to this impressive list with their current form.
If Aston Villa are to be victorious in Manchester, it’s highly likely their England international striker will be in the thick of it.
Ollie Watkins has been the main man this campaign having scored nine goals and provided six assists (prior to the Sheffield United game).
The 27-year-old was responsible for the winners against Brentford and Tottenham in recent weeks. Since his winner at Stamford Bridge, Watkins hasn’t gone more than two games without scoring, and he’s clearly thriving under Emery’s leadership.
It’s those in behind which are making Watkins’ job easier, too. With high-flying wing backs in Alex Moreno and Matty Cash, as well as playmakers John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey, the service has been on point so far this campaign.
With 35-year-old Jonny Evans likely to start in the heart of the defence, Watkins will easily have the pace to get the better of the former Northern Ireland international. A goal, or brace could well and truly be on the cards.
Diogo Dalot missed out on the trip to West Ham after his red card late on against Liverpool, but will be eligible for Boxing Day. Bruno Fernandes, who missed out on the clash at Anfield, was back in action against West Ham and will be ready for selection once more.
There will be no one back from injury for Ten Hag, with Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount all expected to still be out.
Villa will have no fresh injury concerns heading to Old Trafford, although Boubacar Kamara will miss out after his straight red against Brentford.
Updated: 18th December 2023
SITION | CLUB | GAMES | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | POINTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arsenal | 38 | 24.9 | 7.4 | 5.7 | 75.4 | 33.4 | 42.1 | 82.1 |
2 | Manchester City | 38 | 22.9 | 8.2 | 6.9 | 83.2 | 40.4 | 42.9 | 76.8 |
3 | Liverpool | 38 | 22.5 | 9.3 | 6.2 | 77.9 | 40.4 | 37.5 | 76.8 |
4 | Aston Villa | 38 | 22.5 | 6.4 | 9.1 | 76.1 | 49.1 | 27.0 | 73.8 |
5 | Newcastle | 38 | 21.0 | 6.1 | 10.9 | 80.9 | 46.7 | 34.2 | 69.2 |
6 | Tottenham | 38 | 19.0 | 7.4 | 11.6 | 72.4 | 56.9 | 15.5 | 64.4 |
7 | Chelsea | 38 | 16.8 | 8.3 | 12.9 | 69.5 | 55.0 | 14.5 | 58.7 |
8 | Brighton | 38 | 15.8 | 9.7 | 12.5 | 67.9 | 62.0 | 6.0 | 57.1 |
9 | Manchester Utd | 38 | 16.8 | 5.6 | 15.7 | 51.1 | 56.4 | -5.3 | 55.9 |
10 | West Ham | 38 | 14.9 | 7.5 | 15.6 | 58.7 | 66.9 | -8.2 | 52.1 |
11 | Brentford | 38 | 14.1 | 8.8 | 15.2 | 57.9 | 53.3 | 4.6 | 51.0 |
12 | Bournemouth | 38 | 12.7 | 8.8 | 16.4 | 53.4 | 67.0 | -13.5 | 47.1 |
13 | Everton | 38 | 16.3 | 6.7 | 14.9 | 53.9 | 51.0 | 2.8 | 45.7 |
14 | Fulham | 38 | 12.4 | 7.9 | 17.7 | 53.3 | 64.4 | -11.1 | 45.1 |
15 | Crystal Palace | 38 | 10.8 | 9.9 | 17.2 | 43.6 | 57.3 | -13.7 | 42.4 |
16 | Wolverhampton | 38 | 11.1 | 8.6 | 18.3 | 47.2 | 65.8 | -18.6 | 42.0 |
17 | Nottingham | 38 | 9.1 | 10.2 | 18.7 | 40.7 | 62.1 | -21.4 | 37.5 |
18 | Burnley | 38 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 24.6 | 36.6 | 73.2 | -36.6 | 26.8 |
19 | Luton | 38 | 6.3 | 7.3 | 24.4 | 39.7 | 79.1 | -39.4 | 26.2 |
20 | Sheffield Utd | 38 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 27.0 | 28.8 | 88.2 | -59.4 | 21.1 |
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