Manchester United FC vs Aston Villa FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Aston Villa FC Match Prediction & Analysis

One consistent feature of title winning teams over the years is the ability to score late winners in game where they have not played particularly well, but went on to secure three points, nonetheless.

At times, it was a drab affair with neither United nor Wolves able to find the quality to put the game to bed, until Rashford’s late, deflected winner saw United rise up to 2nd in the table – it’s the closest they’ve been to the top at this stage of a season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

They’ll face a much different opponent here, however.

Aston Villa are in 5th, not far off the top themselves and are enjoying a fantastic run of form. Other than City, they have the tightest defence in the league, but are also scoring well too.

It could be an end-to-end encounter at Old Trafford, something which could suit either side.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WWWDW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Finding ways to win, whether they play well or not

     Won seven of their past nine league games

Reasons to be fearful:

     Will rotate players again, which can damage consistency

     Aston Villa have been excellent away from home

Manchester United will face another stern test of their title credentials in their first match of the new calendar year, but for different reasons.

Wolves were incredibly organised defensively and gave away very few chances. Aston Villa have an excellent defence, but also pack a real punch going forward. No side have conceded as many goals in the top half of the league than United, so they’ll have to be at the best to shut Villa out here.

The Red Devils have the 10th best home form in the league, while Villa the 3rd best away form, also showing the strength of United’s opponents and their own desire to improve their performances at Old Trafford.

United’s strength is, of course, going forward, with only Liverpool scoring more than their 31 goals. With Rashford, Cavani, Fernandes and others among the goals, they will be confident they can blow anyone away.

Star Man – Marcus Rashford

Ended a brilliant 2020 with a bang – United’s joint top scorer keeps going from strength to strength and looks a threat every time he gets the ball.

Aston Villa FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WDWWD

Reasons to be cheerful

     Have the tightest defence in the league

     Three wins from five has taken them to 5th 

Reasons to be fearful 

     United’s attack will cause them real problems

     Not beaten United since 2009

Aston Villa are playing their best football in many years, conceding few and scoring plenty, with a well-balanced side containing some top footballers.

Their draw against Chelsea showed their mental resilience, coming from behind to secure a point which takes their unbeaten run to five matches. They have the tightest defence in the league, though the expectation is that this will come under severe threat from United’s fearsome attack.

Villa will also need to overcome their dreadful record against United if they are to secure anything here – they haven’t beaten United in almost 12 years, with just one win coming since 1999 in the League Cup.

It’ll be a stern test for the Villains, but they have the ability to cause a shock as they proved against Liverpool earlier in the season.

Star Man – Jack Grealish

Has scored against United before and will be confident that his ability can trouble their inconsistent defence