Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Premier League match preview

Louis van Gaal will look to extend his side's winning streak

Van Gaal's United have recovered from their worst start to a season after 10 games since 1986-87 (Getty) (Getty)

With Chelsea playing on Monday evening, Manchester United will look to close the gap on the leaders to just five points with a win over Aston Villa.

Louis van Gaal’s men will set their sights on winning seven league games in a row for the first time since 2013. Phil Jones is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up after returning from injury in the 3-0 victory over Liverpool.

After two wins from their first two fixtures in December, Aston Villa faltered with a disappointing performance in a 1-0 loss to Leicester last Saturday and the club's fans will hope for a response at Villa Park on Saturday. However, they may be up against it as they haven't beaten the Red Devils at Villa Park since 1995.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Man Utd 4 (Rooney 2, Mata, Hernández) Aston Villa 1 (Westwood), Premier League, March 2014

Aston Villa 0 Man Utd 3 (Welbeck 2, Cleverley), Premier League, December 2013

Man Utd 3 (Van Persie 3) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, April 2013

STATS…

Aston Villa average the lowest shots-per-game ratio in the Premier League this season with just 9.6.

Manchester United possess the best passing success ratio in the league with 85.6 per cent.

There has not been a goalless draw between the two sides in the last 12 fixtures.

Manchester United historically dominate this fixture – winning 95 to Aston Villa’s 49.

ODDS…

Aston Villa to win: 5.80

Man Utd to win: 1.60

Draw: 3.90

CLASSIC MATCH...

Man Utd 3 Aston Villa 0 – Manchester United wrapped up a record 20th Premier League title in spectacular fashion after a Robin van Persie first-half hat-trick. The game ensured Sir Alex Ferguson retired as a 13-time Premier League champion.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm