Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 23/09/2021, 06:14  by James | Modified on 23/09/2021 at 07:14 in Premier League Predictions

Manchester United aim to maintain their unbeaten Premier League start when they welcome a tricky Aston Villa team to Old Trafford on Saturday. Third in the table after winning four of their first five matches, United are level on points with the two clubs above them. Villa, meanwhile, are tenth after a mixed opening that returned two wins, two defeats and one draw. The summer sale of Jack Grealish forced Dean Smith to reconfigure the way he sets up his team. The funds from that sale allowed Villa to recruit Ings, Buendia and Bailey, all of whom need time to settle into the club. The early returns are promising, with all three opening their goal accounts for Villa early into their time there, Ings impressing in particular, with two goals and two assists in the league. Villa's two previous defeats occurred away from home, to Watford and Chelsea, respectively. They conceded three goals in each fixture. The follow-up fixture at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup was much closer, a 1-1 draw that suggests Villa will continue to adapt and get better as the season goes on.

It may be difficult to stop the losing league streak at United, though. Villa were losing at half-time and full-time in seven of their last eight visits to Old Trafford. United scored at least two goals in the same number of games, and they've been in fine scoring form in the league this season, firing in more goals (13) than any other side. This success has much to do with Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the club. The forward has scored four goals in three games in his second spell with United. We can expect him to score here in a match that won't be short of attacking action. There have been three or more goals in six of United's last seven home games and the same number of strikes in 12 of Villa's last 15 Premier League games. Back United to win and over 2.5 goals.