Man Utd vs Aston Villa predictions: Struggle for goals will see tight Old Trafford clash
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- Manchester United have failed to score in any of their last four games
- There have been under 2.5 goals in four of Villa’s last five games
- Recommended bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Not many people would have predicted Aston Villa to be 11 points ahead of Manchester United going into Boxing Day’s clash at Old Trafford.
Unai Emery has worked wonders with his Villa squad, who head to Manchester unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions.
In stark contrast, the pressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag with the Red Devils sitting outside of the top six and already out of Europe.
Despite United’s good recent record against Villa, this is likely to be another tight and tense affair for the Old Trafford faithful to endure.
Team news
United's Rasmus Hojlund is still looking for his first Premier League goal after 14 appearances and was taken off before the hour mark at West Ham on Saturday.
The Danish international looks likely to drop to the bench and Marcus Rashford, who replaced him at the London Stadium, may be handed a start.
Ten Hag will make late checks on defensive duo Raphael Varane, who missed the defeat to the Hammers with illness, and Harry Maguire.
Villa will be without Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara due to suspension, but Youri Tielemans may return from injury.
Nicolo Zaniolo is pushing for a starting role after coming off the bench to score the equaliser against Sheffield United on Friday night.
The stats
Not since 1992 have Manchester United failed to score in four consecutive matches and their problems in the final third look set to continue.
Ten Hag’s squad have a -5 goal difference having scored just 18 goals in 18 Premier League games, eight of which they have lost.
Although Andre Onana has endured a shaky start to his United career, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper has kept six clean sheets in the league this season.
It is now seven games unbeaten in the Premier League for Emery’s men, who look serious contenders for a top-four finish this season.
Villa are unbeaten in their last three league games on the road and have picked up 14 points from a possible 27 away from Villa Park.
They have been beaten on their last three competitive trips to Old Trafford though, which includes a 1-0 defeat in this fixture last season.
Prediction
Both teams will be disappointed by their last league displays and Ten Hag will be seriously worried about a lack of goals in recent weeks.
Villa are clearly the team in form and will fancy they can take advantage of United’s lack of confidence, to claim what would be only a second win in 23 years at Old Trafford.
The visitors though have also not been as clinical in front of goal in recent weeks, having scored more than one goal only once in their last five competitive matches.
United have decided to sit deep and try and hit on the break in recent games and it is likely they will look to do the same against a Villa team with plenty of pace up front.
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