Aston Villa vs Man United: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Villa Form Meets United Uncertainty At Villa Park

Aston Villa versus Manchester United arrives as a study in momentum, confidence and unresolved questions. Unai Emery’s side host this Premier League meeting riding a wave that few could have predicted earlier in the season, while United arrive still processing the emotional hangover of a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.

Villa’s transformation has been emphatic. After failing to win any of their opening six matches, they have surged to win 15 of their last 17 in all competitions, lifting themselves into third place. Recent scalps include Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham, a sequence that has redefined expectations around Villa Park. This fixture offers another opportunity to underline that this is no temporary surge but a sustained push among the elite.

Emery Project Builds Relentless Momentum

Emery’s work has been about clarity and control, qualities that now define Villa’s approach. The nine match winning run speaks to consistency rather than spontaneity, and the results against elite opposition have reinforced belief within the squad and stands alike. Villa Park has become a venue where visiting sides sense pressure before the first whistle.

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That context matters against a United side still searching for emotional balance. The draw with Bournemouth was thrilling but galling, a match where United surrendered the lead twice. The frustration was evident, with reactions from Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim reflecting a team caught between promise and fragility. The question now is whether United can compartmentalise that experience or allow it to linger.

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Squad Issues Influence Selection Plans

Both managers face significant selection decisions. Emery’s concerns centre on availability. Emiliano Martinez remains a doubt due to a back problem sustained while warming up against Brighton, and there is no certainty over his readiness. Pau Torres is not expected to feature after picking up an injury against Arsenal, while Tyrone Mings is ruled out until the new year. Ross Barkley is also unavailable with a sprained knee. Jadon Sancho, on loan from United, cannot face his parent club.

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United’s absences are different in nature but no less disruptive. Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo have departed for AFCON, removing depth and energy at a demanding moment. Casemiro is suspended after collecting a fifth booking in the Bournemouth draw, a situation that could open the door for Kobbie Mainoo to make a rare start. Defensive options are stretched further by injuries to Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, both expected to miss out, which may again force Amorim into a makeshift back line.

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Match Framed By Recovery And Reality

This fixture feels like a referendum on United’s capacity to respond. To win at Villa Park would represent the perfect recovery from the frustration of last weekend, a statement that emotional setbacks do not define them. Yet recent evidence suggests that task is formidable.

Villa’s confidence is tangible and their execution ruthless. They have beaten some of the Premier League’s strongest sides during this run and done so with control rather than chaos. United, by contrast, are still negotiating identity and structure, especially when injuries and suspensions strip away familiarity.

History offers little comfort. While United have enjoyed more success across the fixture’s long arc, recent meetings have tightened. The mood, the form and the setting all lean towards the hosts. United will need composure and precision to disrupt Villa’s rhythm, qualities that have come and gone this season.

Aston Villa to win, 2-0.

Broadcast Details And Fixture Context

Aston Villa vs Manchester United kicks off at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Villa Park. In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 3.30pm. Live streaming is available via Sky Go, while highlights will follow on Sky Sports platforms and Match of the Day at 10.30pm.

Head to head history stretches back to 1892. United lead overall with 104 wins to Villa’s 49, alongside 42 draws. Recent form, however, suggests that history may carry less weight on this occasion.