Manchester United will come into this fixture full of confidence after an impressive display saw them beat their fierce rivals Liverpool in their last outing. The Red Devils have hit form just at the right time, winning four on the bounce and looking to make a late bid for second spot in the league.
The red half of Manchester will be hoping that their in form shot stopper David de Gea can deliver yet another impressive performance this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Spanish international has made 79 saves so far this term, at an average of 2.93 saves per goal conceded. De Gea will be hoping for more of the same this weekend to help keep his fourth clean sheet in five.
In the middle of the park, United will hope that their midfield maestro Daley Blind can deliver another high quality display. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Dutch international has racked up 62 interceptions so far this term, but it is when he is on the ball that his quality shines through. Blind has completed 1036 passes so far this season, 88.3% of his overall passes, also managing two assists. It will be vital that Villa get close to him early on to stop him dictating the pace of the game.
Up top, Wayne Rooney will be hoping that he can skipper United to another victory and keep their run of form going. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 285.78km so far this season, helping him to become the club’s top scorer this season with 11 goals. He is 22/25 to score anytime this weekend with 888sport.com.
Aston Villa will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend after their good run of form was abruptly halted by a 1-0 defeat to Swansea. The Villans had won their two fixtures prior to that defeat, and another win could double the three point margin between themselves and the relegation zone.
Villa will be hoping that their shot stopper Brad Guzan can deliver an impressive display to help keep United at bay. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the American keeper has made 91 saves so far this term, at an average of 2.33 saves per goal conceded. He will be hoping to further strengthen those ratios with his second clean sheet in three matches.
In the middle of the park, Fabian Delph will be hoping to continue his impressive form and help Villa gain a stranglehold in the middle of the park. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 39 tackles so far this season, 60.9% of his overall attempts, also making 29 interceptions and completing 575 passes in the opposition half.
Up top, Christian Benteke will be hoping that he can find the form that saw him become one of the most highly regarded prospects in Europe, and help keep Villa in the league. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that hard work is key his game, winning 66% of his 12 tackles and putting in 739 sprints so far this season. He has netted five times so far this season, and he is 39/10 to score anytime this weekend with 888sport.com.
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa Possible Lineups:
De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind; Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini; Young, Mata, Rooney
Guzan; Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Hutton; N’Zogbia, Sanchez, Delph, Sinclair; Benteke, Agbonlahor
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa Match Facts:
- Manchester United have beaten Aston Villa 31 times in the Premier League, the joint-most of any team against any one opponent, along with United versus Everton.
- Aston Villa’s only win in 38 league games against Manchester United came courtesy of Gabby Agbonlahor’s headed goal at Old Trafford in December 2009.
- The Red Devils are subsequently unbeaten in 11 meetings in all competitions (W8, D3).
- United have won a league-high 37 points at home (W12, D1, L2).
- No club has scored more first-half goals at home than the 21 by Louis van Gaal’s side.
- Six of Aston Villa’s seven league wins have been by the odd goal, the exception being the 4-0 win at Sunderland in their last away game.
- That 4-0 win ended a run of six away matches without a point or goal.
Facts compiled from BBC
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa Prediction:
A 2-0 win for the home side.