Preview: Aston Villa vs. Manchester United - Team news and prediction.

Match of the week in the Premier League takes place this afternoon as Aston Villa welcomes Manchester United, a game that could reopen the race for the top 4 if United manages to secure the victory. Aston Villa is currently in 4th place in the league with 46 points, 8 more than Manchester United. Therefore, it is a crucial match for the Manchester club if they want to be part of the top-four race again this season.

Aston Villa is going through a less favorable period after a fantastic start to the season. Villa has only secured one victory in the last five matches across all competitions, and their impressive unbeaten home record has been broken with recent losses to Newcastle and Chelsea. On the contrary, Manchester United has started to find their rhythm, with three consecutive victories and remaining unbeaten in the last five matches. As a result, belief and confidence are once again growing in Manchester.

Last five meetings between Villa vs. United: 
◉ 3-2: United vs. Villa
◉ 1-0: United vs. Villa
◉ 4-2: United vs. Villa
◉ 3-1: Villa vs. United 
◉ 2-2: Villa vs. United 

Team news: 
Emiliano Buendía, Tyrone Mings, Jhon Durán, and Ezri Konsa are still sidelined with injuries for Aston Villa, maintaining their ongoing issues in the central defense. Lucas Digne is most likely not ready for the starting lineup as he continues to deal with minor injury concerns, and it remains a race against time for him to become match-fit.

The injury situation is starting to improve for United; however, they still have to do without Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, and unfortunately, Lisandro Martínez is again sidelined with a long-term injury. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is doubtful for the match, and he is not expected to be part of Ten Hag's starting lineup.

Villa expected lineup:
Martinez, Moreno, Lenglet, Carlos, Cash; Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Bailey, Watkins, Diaby. 

United expected lineup: 
Onana, Dalot, Maguirre, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford. 

Prediction: 
There is a lot at stake in tonight's match, and suddenly, United has been given a lifeline regarding a potential top 4 placement. However, it requires three points in tonight's match against a direct opponent. Aston Villa is going through a less favorable period, and with their home record broken, we actually see United as a slight favorite in today's match. At odds of 3.10, we believe there is value in betting on a victory for Manchester United.

Therefore, we suggest a victory for Manchester United at odds of 3.10 at Betway.

Place a bet on the match at Betway and receive a free bonus: Betway