Expecting Goals
Aston Villa face Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in the final Premier League game before the international break.
This is usually a game which normally provides great entertainment and goals. In the last five meetings between the clubs, there has only been one game which ended with under 2.5 match goals. There should be goals and cards in this game. That’s why I’m going with Over 2.5 Match Goals and Both Teams to Receive a Card at 1.74.
Aston Villa are 4th for the number of goals scored so far this season with 12 after six games. Although Villa have scored plenty of goals they have conceded nine which shows their defensive frailties. The Red Devils have conceded eight goals; three more than what they’ve scored, in what seems to be a difficult campaign so far for them.
Out of the 12 games played combined this season, there have only been three occasions where there have been under 2.5 match goals. Man United’s 1-0 win to Fulham and their goalless draw at Crystal Palace. Villa’s only game was their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Dishing Out Cards
This season, the referees are carding more players in an attempt to remove time wasting and any form of dissent. There were 1,602 yellow cards shown last season. To put that into context the refs have pulled out 315 yellow cards so far this campaign after just six games.
If they continue at this rate, there will be 1,995 yellow cards shown by the end of the season. This highlights the number of cards refs have been showing recently, player card markets are the best they’ve ever been in my opinion. In the last five games between the clubs, there was only one occasion where both teams didn’t get a card.
Villa & United’s Form
Villa currently sit 5th in the table but after their draw to Ipswich Town last weekend they missed the chance to go 2nd, behind leaders Liverpool.
The visitors are in poor form, with further discontent among Man Utd fans after last weekend’s heavy 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at home. The Bruno Fernandes red card in the first half was harsh and negatively impacted the game for United. His suspension has now been rescinded and he is available to play this weekend and United know three points are needed on Sunday.
