Aston Villa vs Sheffield United predictions: Premier League tips and odds

Our betting expert has three Aston Villa vs Sheffield United tips for tonight’s Premier League fixture at Villa Park (8pm kick-off). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United betting tips

Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

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Routine win for Villans

The West Midlanders’ home form is such that it would feel almost foolish to even ponder the possibility they could lose against the Blades this evening.

Unai Emery’s side have won 15 in a row in the league on their own patch, but take on a Sheffield United team seemingly refreshed by the return of Chris Wilder to the dugout.

Despite losing 2-0 at Chelsea last Saturday, the Blades again looked sharp on the break – but failed to take their chances.

Villa have kept clean sheets in their previous two home victories over fellow high-flyers Manchester City and Arsenal.

Tonight’s match provides the chance for the hosts to play with more freedom, but that is not always their style. A solid win, a result that would take them top of the table ahead of the Liverpool-Arsenal match tomorrow evening, is suggested.

Villa’s home run has been the more impressive because of how clinical they have been, confidently relying on themselves to score once and hold on when needed.

That was the case in the 1-0 wins over the Gunners and the Light Blues, while they also showed real spirit in recovering from being a goal down to beat Brentford 2-1 in west London last Sunday.

That victory was the fourth consecutive Villa game in all competitions to feature three or fewer goals, while that has also been the case in all three of Wilder’s matches in charge since returning to replace Paul Heckingbottom.

With the fixtures coming thick and fast – Villa head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Boxing Day, while the Blades play host to fellow strugglers Luton Town – Emery’s men may look to get the job done with limited fuss and perhaps it will not be an all-out goal fest.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United tip 1: Aston Villa to win and under 3.5 goals @ 1/1 with Paddy Power

Scot a man to watch

Always in the action, John McGinn looks a decent price to either score or be shown a card.

The Scotland international was the match-winner against Arsenal and also netted in the home league victories over Everton, Luton and Fulham, as well as in the Europa Conference League success against Zrinjski Mostar at Villa Park.

McGinn has also received six yellow cards in all competitions this season, including last time out at Villa Park in the success against the Gunners.

Boubacar Kamara’s absence through suspension means the Scot may play further infield and will not back down if the visitors look to get physical.

McGinn has committed 22 fouls in the Premier League this term, so is worthy of a look in the card markets, while his scoring form means he is also a contender to grab a goal. This price provides a happy medium.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United tip 2: John McGinn to score or be shown a card @ 6/4 with Paddy Power

Watkins to net away from midfield battle

England international Ollie Watkins was back on the scoresheet at Brentford, netting the winner against his former club – and perhaps he feels he owes the Villa Park crowd after a relative scoring drought in home games stretching back to November 12.

Elsewhere, and like McGinn, Kamara’s absence may result in Douglas Luiz being more involved in the defensive action.

The Brazilian is averaging over a foul a game and, with the Blades likely to play on the break, he could commit two or more fouls.

His compatriot Vinicius Souza may find himself in a similar situation in his role as the visitors’ disruptor-in-chief in the middle of the park.

Souza is also averaging over a foul a game, but is not in imminent danger of suspension as he has picked up only two cautions this campaign. So he can afford to commit more infringements, and is worth including in this bundle.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United tip 3: Bet builder: Ollie Watkins to score and Douglas Luiz and Vinicius Souza to both commit two or more fouls @ 8/1 with Paddy Power

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.