Manchester United vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Aston Villa have lost three of their four visits to the top seven
• United have won four from four at home under Michael Carrick
• The hosts have won nine of 14 home games overall
• Sesko has scored in three of his last four appearances

Key edge for United

Manchester United’s failure to progress in the cups and their lack of European football mean they’ve been stewing on their 2-1 defeat at Newcastle for 11 days. This is a clear rust vs rest test, as Aston Villa were in France on Thursday night for their Europa League tie with Lille.

The Villans were 1-0 winners in that first-leg, but that left them with little turnaround time for a key clash with one of their rivals in the Champions League chase. The Red Devils have had plenty of time to prepare for this one, and their empty midweeks could be a major advantage in the run-in.

Carrick’s side keep rolling at home

While Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat in this spell as United manager last time out, his side have won four straight games at Old Trafford.

This has tended to be a difficult place to go for Villa over the years, as they’ve lost 10 of their last 12 Premier League visits to United, winning only once. Their 2-0 defeat here last May cost them Champions League football, and their top-five ambitions face another blow at Old Trafford.

Concerning slide for Villa

Aston Villa have won only one of their last six games in the Premier League, including defeats to Chelsea and Wolves in their previous two.

The visitors have only won one trip to a fellow top-half side in the league this term, while they’ve suffered three defeats in four against the top seven.

The Red Devils have won nine of 14 at home, and their forward players are in fantastic form. Bruno Fernandes is excelling as a creative force, while Benjamin Sesko has scored in three of his last four appearances. With Villa looking blunt in the final third, back Sesko to fire a fresher United side to another win at home.