Man Utd v Aston Villa predictions: Home improvements needed by Red Devils

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester United v Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to beat

12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Both teams to score
2pts 4-5 bet365, Hills

Team news

Man Utd
Edinson Cavani remains a doubt with a muscle injury while Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo are long-term absentees.

Aston Villa
Leon Bailey has been ruled out until after October’s international break with a thigh injury but John McGinn has been cleared to play after a head injury. Axel Tuanzebe is ineligible.

Match preview

Aston Villa could prove unwelcome guests at Old Trafford as they seek to point out all the flaws that could stop Manchester United contending for the title.

The Red Devils’ high-end strikeforce blitzed the first two visitors to the Theatre of Dreams this season but the need for home improvements was laid bare by the midweek EFL Cup loss to West Ham.

For the eighth home game in a row, United failed to keep a clean sheet as they lost 1-0 to the Hammers and Villa should have the firepower to breach their ramshackle defence.

A strong second half from the Villans saw them rack up an impressive 3-0 win over Everton last weekend, and Dean Smith’s recent decision to switch to a back five is playing to the strengths of the talent at his disposal.

A five-man defence won’t be enough to keep out Cristiano Ronaldo and co though, Villa having already conceded six in their two away league games this season.

Key Stat

Both teams have scored in ten of Manchester United’s last 12 home league matches.

Inside info

Man Utd

Penalty taker Bruno Fernandes/Cristiano Ronaldo
Free-kick wizard Bruno Fernandes/Cristiano Ronaldo
Aerial set piece threat Harry Maguire
Card magnet Harry Maguire

Aston Villa

Penalty taker Anwar El Ghazi/Danny Ings
Free-kick wizard Emi Buendia
Aerial set piece threat Tyrone Mings
Card magnet John McGinn

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