In this article
Boxing Day sees a clash between Manchester United and Aston Villa with the pressure firmly on the hosts to get a result.
United have played 26 games in all competitions this season, winning 11 and losing 13 as pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag. They currently sit 8th in the Premier League having won nine and lost eight of 18 matches, picking up one point from a possible 21 on offer against sides currently in the top 9 of the Premier League table.
Villa are absolutely flying, cementing themselves as part of the title picture by Christmas having won 12 of their opening 18 matches. They stumbled last time out against Sheffield United, ending their perfect home record, but are unbeaten in seven matches having beaten Man City and Arsenal in that time.
An important game for the aspirations of both sides and we’ve broken down the game so you don’t need to – below are our tips on those most likely to complete particular actions during the game to create a Man United vs Aston Villa bet builder. The Stats Pack Guide can help you extract winners from the data.
For £60 in free bets to use on accas and bet builders over the festive period, Paddy Power is the place to be:
Man United vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineups
More change for United
Erik ten Hag is having issues putting out a conistent starting XI amid injuries and there could be more change for the visit of Villa. Raphael Varane should replace debutant Willy Kambwala at the heart of the defence after a virus while Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon could return. Christian Eriksen made his long-awaited return from the bench while Marcus Rashford could get an opportunity with Rasmus Hojlund continuing to struggle.
Kamara remains absent for Villa
Unai Emery has been able to keep a pretty consistent XI out this season so changes aren’t to be expected. Jacob Ramsey has been given an opportunity and should keep his spot on the left-hand side with Boubacar Kamara’s suspension ensuring John McGinn stays in the centre of the pitch. The other question largely centres around whether Nicolo Zaniolo or Leon Bailey start wide right.
Man United vs Aston Villa Team Stats
United bright at home
Despite their issues, United have actually given it a go during home matches. They have had at least 14 shots in eight of nine games hosted at Old Trafford and won 7 or more corners in every home match – they’re 3.3 to have at least 7 on Boxing Day. The problem is that they are in poor form – United have failed to score in 5 of their last 6 matches across all competitions and have picked up two or more yellow cards in their last 7 matches.
Villa indifferent on the road
While Villa’s home form has been exceptional, they are up and down on the road. They have created at least 1 xG in 7 of 9 away from home but conceded 1.3 xG in 6. They have won 5 or more corners on 7 occasions but conceded 5 or more in 6. One consistent approach home or away is cards – Villa have collected and drawn at least 2 yellow cards in 13 of their 17 league matches. It helps when you’re fouled on 15 occasions.
Man United vs Aston Villa Shots and Shots on Target Stats
Scotty 2 Hotty
Scott McTominay has been excellent since returning to the United side and is without question their biggest goal threat. He has had a shot in 11 of his last 12 matches but more importantly, a shot on target on 7 occasions – and his long legs will enjoy racing behind the high defensive line Villa occupy – he’s evens to force Emiliano Martinez into action.
Super consistent Ollie still going strong
Ollie Watkins has been the biggest success of the Emery era at Villa and the England striker is uber-consistent. He has managed at least one shot on target in the last 16 starts for Villa in all competitions and can be backed to do it again at 1.36. He’s also 1.62 to have 3 or more shots, something he has managed in five of his last seven appearances.
Man United vs Aston Villa Goals and Assists Stats
Time for somebody to step up
Once again, we are looking at who may step up for United. Bruno Fernandes now has a combined 8.9 non-penalty xG and xA this season yet has just six goal contributions to his name. It doesn’t help that Marcus Rashford has still scored just two goals from 4.7 xG while Alejandro Garnacho is at two goal contributions from 4.5 combined xG and xA. Something has to give eventually, right?
We have to talk about Ollie again
He’s taking a lot of shots. He’s uber-selfless in his running and setting up of chances. Watkins now has 15 goal contributions, a record only Mo Salah and Erling Haaland can match. Talk about consistency. He’s 2.1 to score or assist anytime on Tuesday. It’s questionable whether Leon Bailey starts but keep an eye on him – he has the best goal contributions per 90 of any players to play more than 180 minutes of football in the Premier League this term.
Man United Cards and Fouls Stats
Fernandes getting petulant
Bruno Fernandes has just returned from a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow cards in the Premier League – it didn’t deter him from picking up another at the weekend. He has now committed a foul in his last 13 starts in all competitions and two or more in five of his last eight Premier League games. The defence are being exposed – Jonny Evans has committed a foul in five of his last six starts and is available at 1.4.
The Fernandes note is important because Villa’s central midfield love drawing a foul. McGinn has been fouled around twice per 90 this season, including at least once in nine of his last 10 starts in all competitions and twice or more in six of those. Douglas Luiz has been fouled in six of his last seven too. Ezri Konsa is the other player drawing a lot of fouls – he has been fouled in 12 of his last 13 matches and twice or more in 8 – he can be backed to be fouled more than once at 2.3.
Aston Villa Cards and Fouls Stats
Villa full backs need to be prepared
There aren’t too many big battles to watch out for as Villa and United do battle, especially considering United don’t draw too many fouls. Still, Douglas Luiz rarely needs a reason to get stuck in, committing a foul in 11 of his last 12 games, while Ollie Watkins has fouled an opponent in his last nine starts. John McGinn enters this game on four yellow cards and it’s the last game before they’re wiped out for suspension purposes.
As noted above, it’s the full backs that need to be on their game. Garnacho and Antony are typical South American wingers – they draw a lot of fouls. Garnacho has been fouled in his last 11 matches while Antony has been fouled in 5 of his last 6 with both averaging over 2 fouls drawn per 90 minutes across the campaign. Scott McTominay is again worth considering, he has been fouled in 6 of his last 7 starts.
Man United vs Aston Villa Matchups to Watch
Bruno Fernandes vs John McGinn
Scott McTominay vs Douglas Luiz
Marcus Rashford vs Ezri Konsa
Antony vs Alex Moreno
Man United vs Aston Villa Bet Builder Tips and Picks of the Pack
We’ve combining our four strongest selections into a bet builder in pursuit of some Boxing Day profit.
You should have a browse of the Free Bets Page for extra value over the festive period.
Man United vs Aston Villa
26th December
kick off 20:00 Over 4.5 Man United corners
United have won at least 7 corners in every home match.
Villa have conceded 5 or more corners in 7 of 9 away matches.
4+ Aston Villa Shots on TargetVilla have had 4 or more shots on target in 6 of their 9 away matches.
Man United have conceded 4 or more shots on target in 6 of their 9 home matches.
Ollie Watkins 1+ shots on targetWatkins has had a shot on target in his last 16 matches for Villa across all competitions.
Man United have conceded at least 3 shots on target in 8 of 9 home matches.
Bruno Fernandes 1+ foulsFernandes has committed a foul in his last 13 matches in all competitions.
John McGinn and Douglas Luiz drawn around 3.5 fouls per 90 minutes combined.
Load our 3/1 bet builder 
