Aston Villa is set to host Manchester United in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Villa Park. The match pits Unai Emery's Aston Villa, currently third in the league and chasing the title, against a Manchester United side managed by Ruben Amorim, who are vying for a top-four finish.

Aston Villa comes into the game with remarkable momentum, having won their last nine matches in all competitions. Six of those wins have been in the Premier League, propelling them into the title conversation. Last weekend, they demonstrated their resilience with a 3-2 comeback victory against West Ham United, showcasing their attacking depth and determination. A win against Manchester United would mark their tenth consecutive victory across all competitions, a feat they haven't achieved since 1914. At Villa Park, their form has been exceptional, winning their last nine games.

Manchester United's season has been inconsistent, but they remain in contention for a Champions League spot. Their recent 4-4 draw against Bournemouth highlighted both their attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite their inconsistencies, United has been relatively strong on the road, remaining unbeaten in their last five league away games and scoring at least twice in each match.

Team news for Aston Villa indicates that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez may return after missing the last two games with a back injury. However, they will be without key players such as Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, and Ross Barkley due to injuries. Jadon Sancho is ineligible to play against his parent club. Victor Lindelöf, formerly of Manchester United, is expected to continue in defense. Harvey Elliott is also a doubt due to illness.

Manchester United will be without several key players due to injury, suspension, and international duty. Casemiro is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards. Defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are still recovering from injuries. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are unavailable due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Manuel Ugarte is likely to replace Casemiro in midfield, while Ayden Heaven could continue in defense. Benjamin Sesko is pushing for a start after recovering from a knee issue.

Historically, Manchester United has dominated this fixture, winning more times against Aston Villa than any other Premier League opponent. However, Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, secured a home win against the Red Devils in 2022. The Sports Trader algorithm gives Aston Villa a 50.68% chance of winning.

Given Aston Villa's current form and home advantage, they are considered favorites for the match. However, Manchester United's attacking quality and away form suggest they could contribute to a high-scoring encounter. The match is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.