A blockbuster clash awaits at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon as title contenders Aston Villa host Manchester United in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side are the form team of the division, aiming for a seventh consecutive league victory. This is a feat they last achieved in the top flight in 1990. They sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one behind Manchester City, firmly in the title mix.
They face a Manchester United side that has found its scoring touch under Ruben Amorim but remains defensively fragile. The Red Devils played out a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday, surrendering multiple leads. While they are unbeaten in four league games, they have consistently dropped points from winning positions this season.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025
- Kick-off: 16:30 GMT
- Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Peter Bankes
- Last Meeting: Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa, 25 May 2025, Premier League
Team News
Aston Villa
Unai Emery is hopeful that goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will recover from illness in time to start. If he is fit, he will replace Robin Olsen. The hosts remain without key defenders Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, who are still weeks away from fitness. Additionally, Ross Barkley is sidelined with a knee issue. Former United defender Victor Lindelöf is expected to start against his old side.
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim faces significant selection issues. Midfielder Casemiro is suspended after picking up a booking against Bournemouth. The squad is further depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations, with Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo all away on international duty. Defensively, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain sidelined.
Form
Aston Villa
Villa are enjoying a historic run. A win would secure their 10th consecutive victory in all competitions, something the club hasn’t achieved since 1914. Their home form is imperious, having won their last nine games at Villa Park in all competitions. Morgan Rogers has been a standout, contributing to eight goals in his last 11 league games.
Manchester United
United have rediscovered their scoring touch on the road, netting at least twice in their last five away league games. Bruno Fernandes is in sensational form, having scored and assisted in back-to-back league games. If he assists again on Sunday, he will become the first player in Premier League history to assist in six consecutive away games.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martínez; Cash, Lindelöf, Konsa, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; Yoro, Martínez, Shaw; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Šeško
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester United?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 16:00 GMT.
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