Chris Sutton delivers ‘hard to see’ Aston Villa v Sheffield United prediction

Friday night, Aston Villa hosts Sheffield United, who are currently at the bottom of the table.

A win would send Aston Villa to the top of the Premier table.

On Friday night, Aston Villa hosts Sheffield United at Villa Park, and analyst and former Villa striker Chris Sutton says it’s

difficult to envision anything other than a home win. With a victory over United, a basement team that recently reappointed

Chris Wilder as manager, Villa can take the lead in the league.

Additionally, there is, as Sutton notes, plenty of “incentive” if Villa wins on Christmas Day and championship contenders

Liverpool and Arsenal split the points in their Saturday encounter at Anfield. The Blades have also only triumphed once,

against Brentford, since

Sutton, though, believes he can outmaneuver Unai Emery and make history by being the first team to end

Villa’s record of straight home triumphs, which he believes will last at least one more game.

“Sheffield United famously scored a ghost goal at Villa Park in 2020, when they were denied a win because

Hawk-Eye did not recognise they had scored,” he stated to BBC Sport. “I don’t see the Blades keeping

Villa out otherwise, so they might need a few of those at the other end this time.

“They are still near the bottom of the standings, but I believe there has been a modest

improvement in performances since Chris Wilder took over at the beginning of December. Villa, in contrast, is in the air.

Last week, they had to overcome a deficit to defeat Brentford, but their performance at home is really remarkable.

“It’s difficult to see their lengthy winning streak at Villa Park ending here, but it must eventually.

If Unai Emery’s team wins tonight and Arsenal draws with Liverpool, they will be first on Christmas Day.

How inspiring that is to keep going.”

Sutton’s prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Sheffield United.