A run of six successive Premier League victories has reignited Manchester United's title challenge, and they will look to maintain that momentum this Saturday (10 a.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).
Villa have struggled to find their best form in recent months, with Paul Lambert's side winning just two of their last 12 matches in all competitions, and the 45-year-old Scot will know that his side will need to be at their best to halt United this weekend.
Louis van Gaal's side cruised to 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and can be backed at just -175 with William Hill U.S. to take maximum points from their trip to Villa Park.
Villa got a vital win over Leicester City on home turf earlier this month – their first home win since August – and Lambert's side are available at +505 with William Hill U.S. to beat United this weekend, while the same firm hang +300 that the match ends in a draw.
On the goal-spread, William Hill U.S. has Manchester United -1 goal (EVEN), with Aston Villa +1 goal (-120). The total is 2.5 goals (UNDER -115).
If Lambert's side are to get the better of the visitors at Villa Park, they will need to be much more clinical in front of goal than they have been thus far this term.
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Remarkably, despite occupying 13th place in the Premier League, Aston Villa have notched just six goals in their last 12 matches and have scored only 10 goals in the top flight thus far this season – fewer than any other side.
Manchester United were dogged by defensive woes earlier in the campaign but seem to have put that behind them in recent weeks despite some ongoing injury concerns, with Van Gaal's men conceding just three goals in their last six outings.
David De Gea's form has certainly played a huge part in this, with the Spanish goalkeeper often contributing just as much to United's winning streak as their goalscorers.
Each of Manchester United's last five matches has seen three or more goals scored.
However, it should be noted that all but one of Villa's last six matches has produced fewer than three goals and, therefore, UNDER 2.5 goals could well prove popular with bettors here.
There's another price that stands out, though. With the visitors finally finding their best form and the home side desperately struggling for goals, it is the +163 odds for Manchester United to win in a shutout that appeals the most here. Such a prop can be found outside of Nevada, and it is this selection that is the recommended play for bettors this weekend.
Goal.com best bet: Manchester United to win in a shutout at -175.
This story has been edited since its original version on Goal.com to reflect the odds offered in Las Vegas.