Usually, when we get to the final Premier League weekend, there is a focus on Manchester United. Even in recent years, when the Red Devils haven’t been challenging for the title, they’ve had Champions League or Europa League qualification places to aim for.
On Sunday, however, it’s all about Aston Villa. Man Utd’s season is officially over following their defeat to Spurs in the Europa League final on Wednesday. For Villa, currently sitting in sixth place, a Champions League slot is a genuine target, but they’re going to need at least a point at Old Trafford. Read on for our full MUFC vs AFC preview with betting tips.
Man Utd’s poor season means that they go into this match as the underdogs. A win for Aston Villa is available at best industry odds of 4/6, while the draw is the next option at a general 16/5. Victory for Manchester United completes the result betting at a top price of 7/2.
While Villa sit in sixth on 66 points, MUFC are way down the table in 16th place, a full 27 points behind Sunday’s opponents. The form guide offers little encouragement for United backers: Villa have taken 15 points from their last six league games, and only Manchester City have claimed more in that time. Ruben Amorim’s side have just a solitary point from their last six. Those stats suggest that this is going to be an away banker, so could it be a day to focus on the side bets?
With Manchester United struggling in front of goal, AVFC players dominate the First Goalscorer market. The Villains’ main striker Ollie Watkins is the favourite to find the net first at best industry odds of 9/2, while Marco Asensio follows at 13/2.
Watkins is his club’s leading scorer this season with 16 in 37 Premier League games, but goals have been shared around this side. Other options for the away team include Morgan Rogers at 6/1 and Leon Bailey at 8/1.
The first option for Manchester United is Bruno Fernandes at 9/1, while Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund are further back at 10/1. Elsewhere, Mason Mount is returning to form and fitness and is an option at a generous best of 18/1.
Moving away from player betting, Both Teams to Score can be backed here at a general 4/7. Those edging towards the ‘no’ option on BTTS can claim a top price of 13/8.
Total Goals is our next option and a stake Over the 2.5 line is on offer this week at a best of 8/13. We can push that up to Over 3.5 goals where the odds jump to 6/4. If you’re expecting a quiet 90 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday, Under 2.5 goals could be the way to go at 11/8.
Our last options in this section come from the Correct Score markets. Keeping in mind that the bookies are predicting a comfortable afternoon for the visitors, there should be some interest in a final scoreline of Manchester United 0 Aston Villa 2 at 10/1. A 2-1 win for Manchester United is on offer at 14/1, while the 1-1 draw carries the shortest odds in this market at 15/2.
MUFC vs AVFC Betting Tips Verdict For This EPL Match Preview
While Aston Villa are just outside of the Champions League places, they are level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle, who are just above them. A draw might be enough to squeeze into the top five, but Unai Emery’s men are likely to need a win here.
The question is, can a struggling and demoralised MUFC hope to stop them? Much has been made of their poor season but that form guide is shocking. One point in six EPL games tells a story, although the club could argue that they were focusing on the Europa League final. Defeat to Spurs will naturally be hard to take. United had their chances but they come back to Manchester empty handed and it’s hard to see this weak squad coming up with a response.
A win for Villa is by far the most likely outcome but if you don’t fancy those odds-on prices for the away team, there are some options among the side bets.
Final games of the season can often be open, high scoring affairs, but we don’t think that will be the case here. If we include Wednesday’s Europa League final, Manchester United have failed to find the net in any of their last three games. Their record in front of goal is dismal this season and there is a clear need to sign a new striker in the summer.
The odds in the goals markets may indicate a high scoring 90 minutes but this MUFC vs AVFC preview is going the other way for the betting tip. Under 2.5 Goals is one option but we’ll settle for Both Teams Not to Score as our main pick.
- Both Teams to Score – Bet ‘No’ at 6/5 with Bet365.
Matt Harris is a football & golf writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 