Manchester United To Host Aston Villa In What Is Expected To Be A High-Scoring Fixture On New Year Day.

Manchester United secured a late winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time. The game appeared to be heading for a goalless draw, before Marcus Rashford scored the winner deep into stoppage time. They have now won 3 of their last 4 outings, with victories over Sheffield United and Leeds United coming in-between draws against Manchester City and Leicester.

Manchester United have lost just 3 of their 15 League games in 2020/2021, they seem to be heading in the right direction. Only Liverpool have scored more goals that Manchester United this term, but it is also worth noting that they have the poorest defensive record in the top half.

Aston Villa last tasted defeat at the end of November and since then they've won 3 games and drawn 2, they have kept the club's European ambitions alive. They are on a 5 match unbeaten streak which means Aston Villa are four points behind in fifth. 

Aston Villa secured four clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, West Bromwich and Crystal Palace but their goalkeeper Emi Martinez was finally beaten last time out. Their last victory over Manchester United came all the way back 2009, while the Red Devils claimed a comfortable 3-0 win in the previous meeting.

Manchester United will be without Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. Victor Lindelof is also a doubt due to injury but the remaining players are all fit and should be available.

Aston Villa will welcome back Tyrone Mings from suspension, While Ross Barkley could feature following a lengthy injury.

PREDICTION: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND OVER 2.5 TOTAL MATCH GOALS TO BE EXPECTED.