As we approach the final round of the Premier League, Manchester United will host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 25 May 2025, with a 16:00 kick-off. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, who are pushing for a Champions League spot and currently sit 6th with 66 points. Meanwhile, Manchester United, under the stewardship of Rúben Amorim, is languishing in 16th place with 39 points, marking their worst Premier League season in history.

While the Red Devils are on an eight-match winless streak in the league and are reeling from a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, Aston Villa have been in excellent form, winning their last three league matches and leading the ten-game Premier League form table.

Based on recent performances and team form, Aston Villa is the bookmaker’s favourite to win, with odds at 1.72. Villa’s defensive resilience, as demonstrated by three clean sheets in their last five games, and Manchester United’s struggle to find the net consistently, makes a Villa victory a recommended bet.

Referee Thomas Bramall, who has a record of averaging 3.3 yellow cards per match this season, will officiate this decisive fixture. The weather has yet to be determined, but fans can expect a tense and thrilling encounter at Old Trafford.

Our prediction: Aston Villa to win.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the strong recent form of Aston Villa and the struggles of Manchester United, the recommended bet for this match is for Aston Villa to win.

• Aston Villa are in excellent form, winning their last three Premier League matches.
• Manchester United have been winless in their last eight league matches, their worst streak since the 1989/90 season.
• Villa’s defence has been solid, keeping three clean sheets in their last five games, while United have failed to keep any clean sheets in their recent fixtures.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Odds

The odds for this Premier League clash between Manchester United and Aston Villa are quite indicative of the current form of both teams. Aston Villa is the bookmaker’s favourite given their impressive recent performances.

Aston Villa’s dominant form, highlighted by three wins in their last five Premier League matches, positions them as favourites. Conversely, Manchester United’s eight-match winless streak and financial constraints reflect their position as underdogs in this fixture. Additionally, the higher betting odds for Manchester United to win showcase just how much this season’s form and off-field issues have impacted their reputation on the pitch.

Manchester United Team Analysis

Manchester United Recent Performance

Manchester United’s recent form has been anything but satisfactory, reflecting a disappointing season. They managed only one win in their last five matches, recording three losses and a single win. This streak includes their painful loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham. The team has struggled offensively, averaging 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches, while defensively they failed to keep a single clean sheet during this stretch.

Their poor run of form has contributed to an overall dismal season, culminating in a 16th-place finish in the Premier League. The lack of clean sheets and injury woes have only compounded their struggles.

Manchester United Key Players

Manchester United have had a tough season, but key players could still make an impact in this match. Bruno Fernandes, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals, will be essential. His leadership in midfield and creativity could be pivotal. Defensively, eyes will be on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, possibly facing off against top scorer Ollie Watkins. Luke Shaw’s experience in defence is crucial, especially against Villa’s attacking threats.

The expected lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir
• Defenders: Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw
• Midfielders: Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Amass, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount
• Forward: Chido Obi-Martin

Key individual battles, such as Bayindir vs Watkins and Fernandes against Villa’s defensive midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana, will be intriguing to watch.

Manchester United Suspensions & Injuries

Manchester United is dealing with significant injury concerns that could impact their performance.

Injuries:

With Lisandro Martinez sidelined until January 2026 and Matthijs de Ligt out for at least another week, United’s defence is notably weakened. Rúben Amorim will have to rely heavily on backup options, which might affect their solidity at the back. These absences are especially concerning given their current form and position in the league.

Manchester United Tactics and Formation

• Manchester United will be deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation for their final match of the season.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Chido Obi-Martin
• Attacking Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount
• Midfield Pair: Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo
• Wingbacks: Amad Diallo, Harry Amass
• Defensive Trio: Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw
• Goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir

Despite the absence of key defensive players like Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, Rúben Amorim will rely on young talents to fill the gaps. With Obi-Martin leading the attack, supported by Eriksen and Mount, the focus will be on providing incisive passes and creativity in the final third. Their midfield will look to maintain possession and provide balance to the team.

The defensive line, though depleted, will aim to stay compact and organized, leveraging Shaw’s experience alongside the youthful exuberance of Fredricson and Heaven. Given their current form, maintaining solidarity at the back will be crucial against a potent Aston Villa side.

Aston Villa Team Analysis

Aston Villa Recent Performance

Aston Villa’s recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive league victories characterized by their strong defensive displays, managing three clean sheets in their last five matches. Their victory against Tottenham (2-0) and narrow wins against Bournemouth (1-0) and Fulham (1-0) highlight their resilience. Despite setbacks in the FA Cup and against Manchester City, Villa have shown consistency in the Premier League, averaging 1.00 goals scored per match in the last five games. Unai Emery’s side will look to continue their form and clinch a Champions League spot with a strong performance at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa Key Players

Expected lineup for Aston Villa:

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
• Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne
• Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Morgan Rogers, Marco Asensio, John McGinn
• Forward: Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins, Villa’s top scorer with 16 goals, will be key in their attack.
Marco Asensio’s creativity in the attacking midfield role could be pivotal in breaking down Manchester United’s defence.
At the back, Emiliano Martinez and Ezri Konsa form a solid, dependable duo in goal and defence, respectively.
Watch out for the battle between Watkins and United’s defenders.
Additionally, John McGinn’s industrious play down the left wing and the defensive strength of Kamara will be crucial for Villa’s game plan.

Aston Villa Suspensions & Injuries

Rashford’s absence due to both injury and suspension could dent Villa’s attacking prowess, as his pace and finishing ability will be sorely missed. Tielemans’ doubtful return adds to their midfield concerns.

Unai Emery will have to rely heavily on Asensio and McGinn for creativity and Watkins for goals to maintain their push for a Champions League spot. These absences might force tactical adjustments and test Villa’s squad depth.

Aston Villa Tactics and Formation

Aston Villa’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
• Key Forward: Ollie Watkins, Villa’s top scorer with 16 goals this season.
• Midfield Support: Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will provide the defensive backbone in midfield, while Marco Asensio and John McGinn are set to drive creativity and wing play.
• Defensive Solidity: Aston Villa have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches, showcasing their defensive resilience.
• Notable Strategy: They are particularly dangerous in the final 15 minutes of the match, having scored most of their goals during the 76-90 minute interval this season.

Unai Emery’s side will aim to control the midfield and use their pace on the flanks to trouble Manchester United’s defence. Expect a strong finish from Villa as they push for that crucial Champions League spot.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Statistics

Analyzing the last five meetings between Manchester United and Aston Villa provides some intriguing insights:

Both teams have had intense encounters in recent seasons. Manchester United has generally had the upper hand, winning three out of the last five matches. Aston Villa, however, held United to a draw in their most recent meeting and narrowly lost a couple of times, showing they can be competitive against the Red Devils. Expect another closely fought match as both teams have a lot at stake.

Odds accurate as of 23rd May 2025 16:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.