Aston Villa vs Sheffield United
Premier League
Friday
22nd December 2023
Villa Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United: Preview
Aston Villa form analysis
Villa have shown vastly improved form under new manager Unai Emery during this encouraging run of results against top opposition. On November 26th away at Champions League chasing Tottenham, Villa came from behind to win 1-2 courtesy of defender Pau Torres’ equalizer and Watkins’ winner early in the second half. Villa then battled back late to claim a creditable 2-2 away draw at relegation-threatened Bournemouth on December 3rd as striker Watkins netted a stoppage time equalizer after Bailey’s first half leveler.
Building momentum, Villa claimed a massive 1-0 home win over defending champions Manchester City four days later thanks to Bailey punishing Ederson’s mistake. Villa followed that up with another hard fought 1-0 home win against title hopefuls Arsenal as McGinn’s early strike made the difference. Most recently away at Brentford, Villa struck twice late on through new signing Moreno and match-winner Watkins again to win 1-2 after falling behind to Lewis-Potter’s first half strike. Overall, Emery has quickly transformed Villa’s fortunes with this excellent run of four wins and a draw against quality opponents.
Sheffield United form analysis
Sheffield United have endured a tricky spell in their bid for Premier League survival based on this run of results. On November 25th, they suffered a disappointing 1-3 home loss to relegation-threatened Bournemouth, with McBurnie’s late strike a mere consolation after falling three goals behind. The Blades’ misery was compounded by a humbling 0-5 thrashing away at promotion rivals Burnley on December 2nd as clinical finishing from the Clarets exposed their porous defense.
Against title-chasing Liverpool at home four days later, Sheffield United succumbed to another defeat by 0-2 with centre back Van Dijk and substitute Szoboszlai on target in each half. However, they stopped the rot with an important 1-0 home win over struggling Brentford on December 9th thanks to McAtee’s first half strike. Most recently away at Chelsea, Sheffield United put up a good fight before going down 0-2 courtesy of second half goals from inform youngsters Palmer and Jackson. Overall it’s been a concerning phase in form for Sheffield United after a poor start to the campaign, with fixing obvious defensive issues now a priority.
