
Aston Villa head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday knowing a win will secure Champions League football once again next season. While their opponents look set to have one of their worst campaigns this century, and having lost the Europa League final on Thursday evening, the hosts can't wait for the season to end.
Losing the Europa League final was the final nail in the coffin for Man United. Set to finish the season in either 16th or 17th is something still quite difficult to get your head around - especially for millennials - but it is deserved. The Red Devils have been appalling all season long, and having lost in Bilbao, a home tie against an Aston Villa team still with something to play could sign the season off with another big defeat.
It's going to be a huge re-build this summer - but Man United fans will be just excited to see the back of this campaign.
In complete contrast, Unai Emery has had a wonderful season with Aston Villa. An unbelievable run in the Champions League almost took them to the semi-finals, and a win at Old Trafford will give them another opportunity next season.
They've been excellent of late as well. Since crashing out of the FA Cup semi-finals, they've re-grouped and won three matches in a row without conceding. Their win away to Bournemouth - with 10 men for the last 10 - was arguably the result that will see them finish in the top five come Sunday evening - and it's deserved.
What is quite surprising to see is that Man United have won four of their last five meetings against Aston Villa - as well as drawing 0-0 earlier in the season at Villa Park. In fact, you have to go back to 2021 the last time Villa beat Man United at Old Trafford, when an 88th minute goal from Kortney Hause stole the three points late on.
But as I've alluded to, this isn't a Man United team of recent seasons, and it is one that has demised quite suddenly - especially in the last 12 months. With nothing to play for - perhaps some pride - Aston Villa can look to replicate that famous 1-0 win.
With the visitors desperately aiming to finish in the top five and secure Champions League football, and with Man United arriving back from Bilbao frustrated and trophyless, there's only one winner at Old Trafford this weekend.
The explanation for this bet is rather simple. Man United head into this match having lost four of their last five matches - failing to score in their last three.
Player interviews after their Europa League final were concerning. Alejandro Garnacho's days look numbered after his outburst, while captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to be on the phone to his agent - who certainly deserves better than what he's been working alongside.
And after flying back to England on Friday, probably tired and mentally drained, the last thing the players will want to do is pull on the shirt and head out for another match at Old Trafford.
But this is what they have no say in - and Aston Villa's poor record at Old Trafford can be put to one side. Only Man City (13) have picked up more points than them (12) over the last five matches, and Emery has shown that his team deserve to be back in the Champions League next season.
A win doesn't necessarily guarantee them a spot - but with Chelsea facing a tricky tie away to Nottingham Forest, there's every chance they can sneak in on the final day - and no one can begrudge them of that.
Aston Villa are 7/10 with bet365 to get the job done on Sunday and it's too good to ignore. Good luck if you're following and thanks for reading this season.
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