Manchester United FC vs Aston Villa FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Aston Villa FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester United, reeling from their Europa League final defeat, face Aston Villa in their Premier League season finale. United sit 16th, facing their worst-ever Premier League season and a rare absence from European football next campaign. Their highest possible finish is 14th. Aston Villa, however, are in a far stronger position. 

After a good Champions League run, they are battling for a top-five Premier League finish to secure a return to Europe's elite competition. Currently sixth, they are level on points with Chelsea (fifth) and Newcastle (fourth). Villa will likely need a win at Old Trafford and favorable results elsewhere to achieve their Champions League ambition. This makes them clear favorites against a demoralized United, who they drew with goalless last October. 

Head to Head Record - In 59 Premier League meetings, Manchester United have dominated Aston Villa with 40 wins (22 home, 18 away). Aston Villa have won only 5 (3 home, 2 away), with 14 draws. Manchester United won three of their last five encounters, but their most recent match this season ended in a 0-0 draw.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Manchester United's season has hit rock bottom after their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, confirming their worst-ever Premier League finish and absence from European football next season. They are 16th place and winless in their last eight league games, with six losses. This marks a new low for the club, including a record-low 39 points and their highest number of home defeats (nine) in a single league campaign.

Manager Ruben Amorim faces immense pressure, though he remains committed to the job. The team has struggled to score all season, with just 42 goals, likely their lowest tally in Premier League history. Despite their woes, Bruno Fernandes remains a key player, often performing well even as the team struggles. Manchester United now faces the challenge of motivating their squad for a final-day clash against Aston Villa. Historically, United has dominated this fixture, winning three of their last four league meetings against Villa.

André Onana set an unwanted record with his third European final loss. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are injured, but Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee, and Jonny Evans are available. Squad rotation is expected, with Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Alejandro Garnacho pushing for starts.

Manchester United Starting Lineup: Onana (GK); Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Diallo, Garnacho; Zirkzee

Aston Villa FC Preview

Aston Villa's Champions League fate rests on the final day, a testament to Unai Emery's transformative impact since November 2022. Villa's recent form is excellent, winning eight of their last nine Premier League games, including a dominant 2-0 victory over Tottenham. This hot streak has propelled them into contention for a top-five finish, though their destiny isn't entirely in their own hands.

Currently sixth, level on points with Newcastle and Chelsea, Villa needs to outperform at least one of them to secure Champions League football. A win at Old Trafford is crucial, and they'll be hoping for slip-ups from their rivals. Morgan Rogers has been a rising star, consistently performing well with 8 goals and 10 assists this season. Despite a poor historical record in away final-day fixtures, Villa's recent form against Manchester United (2 wins, 2 draws in last 7) gives them the optimism for this crucial clash. 

Youri Tielemans is a major doubt for Aston Villa due to an ankle injury. However, Ollie Watkins has been highly productive with 16 league goals and eight assists. On loan from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford is injured and ineligible. Jacob Ramsey returns from suspension. Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen are set to continue in defense, while Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne could be recalled.

Aston Villa Starting Lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Asensio, McGinn; Watkins