A lot can happen in the beautiful game. Aston Villa is favored, however, against Manchester for a reason. This comes despite their annual record against the club at Old Trafford.
So for there to be an online poll of what must be overzealous Man Utd fans can only be described as bewildering. As shared by X account @DanAV_ _ _ , there is a significant contingency that would have Villa as the underdogs against Sunday's opponents.
With 48% selecting United to win, 8% a draw, and only 44% picking AVFC, this shows a larger picture in regard to making picks during Matchdays.
There could certainly be a strong argument made that this upcoming fixture will finish with the two sides on level terms. A draw is reasonable enough and difficult for any team to accomplish in the Premier League.
To go further and select Sunday's hosts just for being a 'big six' or due to Villa's history at Old Trafford is too much of an overreaction.
Trends and analyzing past data can be helpful. That cannot be the end-all in terms of making a final decision or making a basis for a match prediction. How a side played at a certain venue in 2004, for example, has little impact on 2025.
This season alone should demonstrate that even on a week-to-week basis, a lot can change, let alone over the course of multiple years. The factors that will always be more relevant include current form, player availability, and the general tactical approaches by both sides.
Even without Youri Tielemans and Marcus Rashford, who wouldn't be able to play regardless of his latest setback, Villa are the healthier squad. Whereas United are limping toward the end of the season.
Clear Aston Villa advantages
Villa have a clear identity and can pose a number of issues for opposing backlines. Their might in the midfield with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana is miles ahead of whatever it is they have going on in Manchester.
In terms of the backlines and keeper, there is not really too much of a discussion to be had there anyway. And then up top, Ollie Watkins or Donyell Malen are a clear level above the Man Utd striker situation.
Anyone wary of AVFC traveling to Old Trafford due to past results there has a right to be. When stepping back and looking at how the two sides match up against each other, though, it isn't particularly close.