Aston Villa close out Matchday 17 with a heavyweight Premier League clash against Manchester United at Villa Park, and few fixtures underline the shift in momentum quite like this one.
Villa arrive flying. Unai Emery’s side have won six straight league matches and nine in all competitions, a surge that has dragged them firmly into the title conversation. Last weekend’s dramatic comeback win at West Ham captured their confidence, composure and attacking edge, even when games turn chaotic.
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United’s recent form looks solid on paper, but the detail tells a different story. Ruben Amorim’s team have dropped points repeatedly from winning positions this season, most recently surrendering control in a wild draw with Bournemouth after leading three times. That fragility has become a theme.
History favours United at Villa Park, where the hosts have won just once in their last 26 league meetings. Yet this version of Villa feels different. They have lost only one home league match in 2025 and continue to score freely, even with defensive absentees.
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United also arrive depleted, missing Casemiro through suspension and losing key attackers to AFCON duty, weakening their midfield balance and transition threat.
Form, momentum and availability all point in Villa’s favour. Expect a fast tempo, chances at both ends, and another defining test of United’s resilience under pressure.
Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
