Aston Villa Set to Battle Manchester United: Key Matchup Preview, Bold Predictions & Starting XI Revealed

Manchester United's erratic form faces its biggest challenge yet as they travel to face high-flying Aston Villa this Sunday.

The wild 4–4 stalemate with Bournemouth last Monday showcased both sides of the unpredictable Red Devils, who repeatedly let slip advantages in the goal-fest at Old Trafford. This result leaves United with only two victories from their past seven outings and no defensive shutouts since early October.

Ruben Amorim will be seeking a more disciplined and controlled display from his squad against Villa as they attempt to narrow the gap to the top four, though defeating the red-hot Villa side, particularly at their home ground, represents a significant challenge to their ambitions.

Unai Emery's team is riding high on confidence following nine straight victories across all tournaments. Six of these successes came in Premier League action, propelling Villa to third place and within reach of the summit. At their home venue, they've secured nine consecutive wins and will be eager to extend that streak to ten this Sunday.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the encounter.

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Aston Villa vs. Man Utd Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Aston Villa Team News

There won't be a reunion with United for Jadon Sancho, who cannot feature against his parent club on Sunday. Fellow loanee Harvey Elliott is battling illness, though he was unlikely to feature anyway as he's been sidelined.

Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are both absent from Villa's defense, creating an opportunity for former United center-back Victor Lindelöf to start, while Ross Barkley is sidelined with injury in midfield. Evann Guessand is also unavailable following his late selection for the Ivory Coast squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Emiliano Martínez, who was dismissed in his previous encounter against United, should return between the posts after sitting out the last two fixtures, though he remains questionable for this weekend.

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelöf, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.

Man Utd Team News

United's roster is among the most impacted by AFCON departures in the Premier League, with three players leaving for the competition. Their right flank will need restructuring following the departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, while Noussair Mazraoui's absence restricts Amorim's defensive choices.

Casemiro will be a significant absence in midfield on Sunday as the Brazilian serves a one-game ban for accumulating five yellow cards in Premier League play. Manuel Ugarte is anticipated to step in for his South American teammate.

Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire continue to be unavailable at the back, potentially opening the door for another start for Ayden Heaven following three consecutive appearances for the 19-year-old.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Aston Villa (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha, Mount, Šeško.

Aston Villa vs. Man Utd Score Prediction

Traveling to Villa Park represents one of the most challenging fixtures in European football currently, and United will face an uphill battle to secure any points from Sunday's encounter. Emery's squad is tactically sound, brimming with confidence, and clinical in attack, establishing them as clear favorites for the upcoming battle.

United have displayed worrying inconsistency throughout this campaign and may find it difficult to generate scoring chances without their dynamic right-wing partnership of Mbeumo and Amad. The pair have contributed to 11 goals this season and their absence will be deeply felt.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2–0 Man Utd