Football betting tips: Premier League
2pts Aston Villa to win at 23/20 (Betfred)
1pt Morgan Rogers 3+ total shots at 9/5 (Ladbrokes, Coral)
Is it so outlandish for ASTON VILLA to challenge for the Premier League title this season? With every passing week it's becoming more of a realistic possibility.
They are on a nine-match winning streak and have won 15 of their last 17 matches in all competitions; quite the recovery for a team that failed to score in any of their first four fixtures, and failed to win any of their first six.
Villa's credentials will be properly tested over the Christmas period as they visit Chelsea and Arsenal to round off 2025.
But first they take on Manchester United at Villa Park.
Ruben Amorim's side were fortunate to avoid a home defeat by out-of-form Bournemouth on Monday night when David Brooks spurned two late chances in what was a madcap Old Trafford encounter that ultimately ended 4-4.
There was an odd reaction to that performance from a United perspective, with Amorim praised by many for abandoning his much-vaunted 3-4-3 for the first time. What ensued was pure chaos, and ought to at the very least encourage scepticism rather than optimism among Red Devils' supporters.
To give credit where it is due, United have lost only once - a limp 1-0 home defeat against an Everton team that played 80 minutes with 10 men - in their past 10 matches.
However, the fixture list has been kind in that period, and currently there are fewer more difficult assignments than a trip to Villa.
It will be especially testing with key men Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo now at the Africa Cup Nations, which makes the 23/20 about a HOME WIN all the more surprising, and as simple a bet as will be advised all season.
During Villa's current run they have won nine straight home matches, including victories over Arsenal and Manchester City.
One of the driving forces behind their form has been MORGAN ROGERS, with the England international rediscovering his irrepressible best of last season, providing eight goal involvements (five goals, three assists) in his last 11 league appearances.
The best price of 5/4 for him to score or assist looks a touch short, but the 9/5 about Rogers having 3+ TOTAL SHOTS is a real runner.
He had five attempts against West Ham last time out and has had at least three in five of his last 10 league matches.
Score prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Man Utd
Odds correct at 2000 GMT (18/12/25)
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