Aston Villa
21 Dec, 2025
17:30
Manchester United
Manchester United arrive with a heavily depleted squad, affected across almost every area of the pitch due to international absences and the suspension of Casemiro.
Unavailable for this match are Amad Diallo, Mazraoui, Mbeumo, Maguire, and De Ligt.
Aston Villa have far fewer concerns, with Guessand the only new absence due to international duty. Long-term absentees remain Barkley, Torres, and Mings.
Both sides are in solid form, but United’s defensive performances raise concern. Goals have been conceded in each of the last five matches, eight in total, highlighting ongoing vulnerability at the back.
Historically, United hold the edge in this fixture, suffering just one defeat away at Villa Park in recent meetings.
What we say
Aston Villa to Win
While both teams tend to concede, Aston Villa have shown better defensive organisation overall.
With United missing several key first-team players, the home side appear better equipped to manage the game and edge out a hard-fought victory, something Villa have achieved only once in the last five home meetings against this opponent.