English Premier
2026-03-15 - Manchester United vs Aston Villa
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 15th March 2026 - Kick Off 2pm
This game is live on TV
Manchester United
The gaps between matches might be good for recovery, but some of the Manchester United players have bemoaned a loss of rhythm. However, Michael Carrick's relatively small squad was highlighted when Manchester United were beaten at ten man Newcastle United in a rare occasion when they were asked to play twice in a week and the interim manager will be looking for a big reaction from the players.
It is the first defeat suffered under Michael Carrick's guidance, but Manchester United remain 3rd in the Premier League table and this feels like a pivotal fixture in the battle for a return to the Champions League. There are only 3 points between Manchester United and 6th placed Liverpool and so it is imperative that the side improve the 9-3-2 record at Old Trafford in the top flight.
Manchester United had been unbeaten in 7 games in the Premier League and had won 6 of those and would have at least expected the unbeaten run to continue when level with ten man Newcastle United going into half time. It was not to be as they were beaten 2-1 at St James' Park, but Manchester United are back at Old Trafford this weekend where they have won 4 League games in a row and all under the current interim manager.
Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui are both doubts, while Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to miss out. Mason Mount is hoping to be part of the squad.
Aston Villa
The strong away performance in the Europa League Last 16 First Leg meant Aston Villa ended the week as the only winner from the English Premier League. They were not at their best in the final third, but contained the Lille threat and look on course for a spot in the Quarter Final when concluding the tie at Villa Park next week.
Unai Emery is trying to keep two avenues open for a return to the Premier League and this feels like a big game for Aston Villa who had been crushed by Chelsea in the last top flight game played. That means The Villans are 4th in the Premier League table, but they are now just 3 points ahead of Liverpool outside of the top five and Aston Villa travel to the North West with a 6-4-4 away record in the Division.
Aston Villa had won 1 of the previous 7 games in all competitions before the victory at Lille, and they have lost consecutive Premier League games against Wolves and Chelsea. The away performances have been stronger with the team losing 1 of the last 7 on their travels in all competitions and Aston Villa have won 4 of the last 6 away matches.
Matty Cash is a doubt, but John McGinn was back on Thursday. Both Youri Tielemens and Boubacar Kamara are both absent.
Head to Head
Aston Villa were fortunate in beating Manchester United 2-1 at Villa Park in December.
Playing at Old Trafford has been much more difficult and Aston Villa have lost 5 in a row at this ground in all competitions.
Prediction
If you had a quick look at the final fixtures of the four teams fighting for top five spots and, likely, Champions League Football, you would say that this is one of the most pivotal games left for both Aston Villa and Manchester United.
They are both on 51 points and 3 points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool, but both of those teams have winnable home games and that means there will be a lot of pressure on a losing team on Sunday.
Manchester United were beaten last time out, but they have been much better at Old Trafford and Michael Carrick can tick off another positive on his CV by getting this team to bounce back from the defeat at St James' Park.
There is no doubt that Manchester United will cause problems for Aston Villa, but the visiting team have to be respected.
Recent form has not been that impressive, but Aston Villa showed their grit and determination in beating Lille in the Europa League Last 16 on Thursday. They will need more of that here after the thumping home defeat to Chelsea, while a returning John McGinn is a big boost for the players around him.
A poor recent record at Old Trafford is a concern, although Manchester United's long lay off has not been as welcomed by the players as some may think.
In saying that, Aston Villa have only played one more match than Manchester United in the time both last played in the Premier League and so there will be no excuses.
The attacking talent in the Manchester United starting lineup and coming off the bench may just give the home team the edge and they can secure the priceless three points on offer.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa
