Man Utd vs Aston Villa Preview: Team News & Prediction

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This is a huge game between third and fourth in the Premier League, level on goal difference, as they both seek UEFA Champions League qualification.

Kick-off date/time: 15 March 2026 at 2:00 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Telemundo

Man Utd preview: The defeat was coming

Manchester United’s most recent outing saw the Red Devils beaten 2-1 by ten-man Newcastle United at St James’ Park about ten days or so ago in a defeat that did appear to be coming.

It was Michael Carrick’s first loss as United boss but average performances against West Ham United, snatching a late point, Everton, snatching a late win, and Crystal Palace, coming from behind against ten-men opposition, was a concern.

Aston Villa preview: Streaky Villa

Unai Emery and his Aston Villa side have often been very streaky but, when they get themselves on a positive streak, the Villans can be relentless – and there will be a hope they may have just turned a corner.

That is because the visitors come into this one on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat of Ligue 1 outfit Lille in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie, courtesy of an Ollie Watkins winner.

Man Utd team news: Mount could return

At long last, Mason Mount has returned to training for Manchester United and the England international midfielder could well be available for the Red Devils this weekend.

However, there is an expectation that both Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt will once again miss out, while Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt, albeit he has trained after limping off against Newcastle.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Unavailable: Dorgu (Injured)

Questionable: Martinez (Injured), De Ligt (Injured), Mazraoui (Injured), Mount (Fitness)

Aston Villa team news: A few returnees

Club captain John McGinn has returned to full fitness and to the match day squad, as was the case against Lille, alongside right-back Andres Garcia and Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott.

Matty Cash will have to be assessed late on, while Jadon Sancho, who started against Lille, is unavailable to play against his parent club on Sunday afternoon.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Onana, Luiz; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins

Unavailable: Kamara (Injured), Tielemans (Injured), Sancho (Ineligible)

Questionable: Cash (Injured)

Man Utd vs Aston Villa prediction

Aston Villa have won just two of their last nine matches in the Premier League, knocking them out of the title race and now into a dog fight to cling on to a top five finish and a return to Europe’s elite club competition. They will, though, be confident of being able to deny a United side that thrives on space and, if they can get back on a streaky but positive run of form, as is often an Emery theme, siding with Villa could well be a good value bet at Old Trafford.

Man Utd vs Aston Villa tip: Double chance – Aston Villa to win or draw