MY ACCOUNT
– Man Utd have lost the 2nd half in three of their last five games
– United have scored only two second-half goals in their last seven PL games
– Aston Villa have won the 2nd half in five of their last seven PL games
– Recommended Bet: Aston Villa to win the second half
After an exhausting sequence of away games, Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Sunday to meet the challenge of in-form Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag’s team looked weary in the second half of their 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, perhaps unsurprisingly in the wake of their draining FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton last Sunday.
Revitalised Villa have established the Premier League’s joint-longest unbeaten run, winning eight and drawing two since their last defeat back in February.
Unai Emery’s side lie in sixth place, six points behind the Red Devils — having played two games more..
They can boost their chances of bringing European football to the West Midlands and damage United’s top-four hopes with a victory at Old Trafford.
Team news
Ten Hag’s central defensive options were depleted further on Thursday when it emerged that Harry Maguire had picked up an injury in training.
If the England defender remains unavailable, Ten Hag will deploy Luke Shaw alongside Victor Lindelof again.
Lisandro Martinez (foot) and Donny van de Beek (knee) have been ruled out for the rest of the campaign and Raphael Varane seems unlikely to be available until the end of May at the earliest.
Alejandro Garnacho is back in training and nearing a return, while Scott McTominay’s likely return date is still unknown.
As for Villa, midfielder Jacob Ramsey is on course to be fit despite rolling his ankle against Fulham on Tuesday.
Emery could name an unchanged line-up for the fourth game in a row with red-hot striker Ollie Watkins leading the forward line.
Full-back Matty Cash and midfielders Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Leon Bailey all remain out of contention.
The stats
United were Villa’s opponents for the first two games of Emery’s reign back in November, losing the first clash 3-1 in the Premier League at Villa Park before avenging that defeat four days later in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford.
Villa’s last Premier League defeat came at home to Arsenal on February 18 when Emery’s side lost 4-2 after conceding two goals in stoppage time.
Villans’ top scorer Ollie Watkins scored in his fourth consecutive league game that day and has since reached a total of 15 goals in all competitions so far, including five in his last six league games.
Prediction
United were found wanting in the second half against Spurs and appear to have changed characteristic from a side that started slowly but came on strong earlier this season.
Ten Hag’s team now fade late in games and their stamina will be given a severe test by a physical Villa unit that will arrive in Manchester having had an extra two days’ rest.
The late goals and thrilling finishes no longer work in United’s favour now while their game management once ahead in games also looks questionable.
Emery’s side have won the second half period in five of their last seven games and look in the sort of shape that can force a result after the interval — if they need it.
Back Aston Villa to win the second half at 16/5 with LiveScore Bet.
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