Match Overview

Aston Villa welcome Manchester United to Villa Park in the Premier League on Sunday. Villa arrive with strong attacking numbers and a clear plan built on control and decisive transitions. United have found goals consistently but have also been involved in open, high-scoring contests. With both sides targeting momentum before the festive period, this fixture carries significance for the top end of the table.

• Fixture: Aston Villa vs Manchester United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Villa Park
• Date: 21-12-2025
• Kickoff: 16:30 GMT / 16:30 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa

• E. Martínez
• M. Cash
• E. Konsa
• L. Digne
• I. Maatsen
• J. McGinn
• M. Rogers
• B. Kamara
• A. Onana
• O. Watkins
• D. Malen

Manchester United

• S. Lammens
• L. Shaw
• L. Yoro
• Diogo Dalot
• P. Dorgu
• Bruno Fernandes
• Casemiro
• M. Mount
• K. Mainoo
• B. Mbeumo
• A. Diallo

Injury & Suspension Report

Aston Villa

• H. Elliott – Illness
• E. Martínez – Back Injury
• T. Mings – Hamstring Injury
• J. Sancho – Loan agreement
• E. Guessand – International duty
• R. Barkley – Knee Injury
• Pau Torres – Calf Injury

Manchester United

• M. de Ligt – Back Injury
• H. Maguire – Hamstring Injury
• A. Diallo – International duty
• B. Mbeumo – International duty
• N. Mazraoui – International duty
• Casemiro – Yellow Cards

Head-to-Head

Historically, Manchester United have held the upper hand in this fixture, with 94 wins to Aston Villa’s 40 and 41 draws. Their most recent Premier League meeting on May 25 ended 2-0 to United. Recent clashes tend to produce just under three goals on average, suggesting a tight battle decided by key moments.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Aston Villa look to harness Villa Park’s electric roar to seize Premier League summit from rivals

Villa’s recent form points to a well-drilled side comfortable dictating tempo and striking quickly when space appears. Twelve goals in their last five matches underline that balance between patience and incision. M. Rogers has been a central outlet in transition, while the structure behind him has allowed Villa to press selectively and protect energy over 90 minutes. With the backing of Villa Park, they look primed to maintain those habits against a high-profile opponent.

Personnel will be watched closely. E. Martínez is listed with a back issue, which is notable given his importance, while several other squad members are on the injury list. Even so, the predicted XI retains continuity, with O. Watkins and D. Malen offering movement up front and a midfield base of B. Kamara, J. McGinn and A. Onana supporting controlled possession and second-ball security.

United arrive with attacking rhythm—11 goals in five matches and a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth that showcased both their threat and defensive exposure. Bruno Fernandes is in scoring form across his last three appearances, and the predicted front line includes B. Mbeumo and A. Diallo as direct outlets. However, the report lists both as on international duty and flags Casemiro for yellow cards, which could impact final selections and disrupt balance in midfield if availability changes late.

Tactically, Villa’s patient build-up against United’s willingness to trade punches should frame the contest. If Villa can control midfield phases and limit transitions, their structured approach and home advantage may tilt the game. United’s path likely relies on quick counters and set-piece quality, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating and full-backs providing width. Defensive concentration will be crucial for both sides given the chance creation highlighted in recent results.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United.