“Those two will shine again” - Alan Shearer predicts winner of Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Alan Shearer has backed Aston Villa to win their Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Sunday (October 6). The pundit has predicted excellent performances from Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran this weekend.
Manchester United have been struggling in the league this term, having won just two of their first six fixtures. The Red Devils are 13th in the table and Erik ten Hag has received substantial criticism for his side's performances.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have continued their great form under Unai Emery this season after securing a fourth-place finish last term. They are fifth in the standings, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
Emery's men secured an emphatic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in their Champions League clash on Wednesday (October 2), courtesy of Jhon Duran's excellent long-range strike.
Shearer sees Villa securing all three points as they host Manchester United this weekend. He told Metro:
"With Villa’s home record under Emery and the pressure that Man United are under, I’m predicting a home win on Sunday. I think Ollie Watkins has his mojo back in terms of scoring goals and if he doesn’t perform here, then Duran will come on and score from the bench anyway, just like he did in midweek. Those two will shine again in a home win."
Manchester United are 21st in the UEFA Europa League table after their 3-3 draw with Porto on Thursday (October 3).
Chris Sutton predicts result of Manchester United vs Aston Villa
While Alan Shearer has backed Villa to secure all three points, Chris Sutton believes that the points will be split between the two sides. The pundit has predicted a 1-1 draw.
Sutton also cast doubt on Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford should the Red Devils suffer another humiliation this weekend, having lost 3-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in their last league game.
He told BBC Sport:
"If United are well beaten on Thursday, it could be the end for United boss Erik ten Hag if he also loses at Villa Park, especially if it is another bad defeat - the way you lose is important as well. If they get an absolute battering here, forget Erik ten Hag because it will be more like Erik ten minutes."
"I am not expecting that to happen, though. United are desperate for a result and I have a feeling they might get something here."