Sheffield United

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder on Sky Sports: "I've been left a really good crew in terms of attitude. It doesn't come any easier does it? Liverpool at home in the first game and then Brentford away. And then Villa!

"We're going to have to show quality tonight to get a result."

John, Sheffield: Like most neutrals I hope that Villa win the league. But, it wouldn't be close to "doing a Leicester".

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Felix White, guitarist with 86TVs and a Fulham fan.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

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.

The Blades could do with a few of those at the other end this time because I do not see them keeping Villa out otherwise.

I think there has been a slight upturn in performances since Chris Wilder took charge at the start of December, but they are still bottom of the table.

Villa, meanwhile, are flying. They had to come from behind to beat Brentford last week but their home form is so impressive. Their long winning run at Villa Park has to end at some point, but it is hard to see it happening here.

Unai Emery's side will be top on Christmas Day if they win this one and Arsenal draw with Liverpool. What an incentive that is to keep pushing on.

Felix's prediction: 4-1

I have triple-captained Ollie Watkins in my Fantasy team this week so I'm going for him to get a hat-trick.

I am bottom of my league because I did not realise you got charged points for every transfer you make… so I made about 45. I am so heartbroken about it. I'm checking it way more than I should be.

Read all of Sutton's predictions for this weekend's games

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Villa boss Unai Emery is aiming to temper over-excitement in his programme notes for this game.

"My message is very clear for tonight: for us, as professionals, it's not time to think in records, streaks, top of the table or future great goals at the end of the season," he says.

"There's only a football match to be played with full energy, effort and respect for Sheffield United.

"All the praise, good words and dreams would be nothing if we don't approach this match properly."

Obviously, I'll be a professional tonight and be as balanced as I possibly can.

But.....having seen just two clubs lift the past six Premier League titles, Villa winning the league would be truly special. It would be so unlikely though. Right?

Gordon Doyle: The pub and the golf club all laughed at me when my son and I said Villa will be up there after seeing them play Hibs at Easter Road in Conference League, it was really quite an easy spot.

Jay: I put a bet on before the season started for Villa to win the league. A tenner at 150/1...but I have cashed out already. Mistake?!

Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to Sky Sports: "Good evening. Of course we are excited and motivated. Always we are strong here.

"We want to respect the opponent and keep the position we are in now. We are not going to refuse three points to be up there. We want to enjoy the moment.

"Now I prefer to be focused on this match."

Aston Villa have defied expectation to join Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League's top four, but is a title push in 2024 dependent on keeping their squad fit?

Former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown joins The Football News Show to discuss their prospects and look ahead to their game against Sheffield United.

Mark: Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool, Leicester, Man City, Newcastle, Leeds, Chelsea.

You've given me eight answers, not seven Mark! Unless my boss is wrong and one of those clubs sneaked into first under the radar...

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking questions from readers.

Mick: Do you think Aston Villa have the legs to do a Leicester or do you think they will hit a bad patch and drop off?

Phil: I think momentum is a huge thing, Mick. Leicester City had it and Villa have it now. I would still be surprised if they ended up as champions but no one can question their right to be up there under an outstanding manager in Unai Emery, so why not?

Villa also have very ambitious owners and you can be sure if Emery feels he needs reinforcements in January to keep a challenge going then they will do their best to get them.

On a separate note, I really fancy Villa to win the Europa Conference League under the expert Emery.

Was chatting to a mate who's a Villa fan in Stirchley this week and he completely echoed your message Marc. Unai Emery is a such a good leader isn't he?

I was also lucky enough to be at Villa Park for the Arsenal game and boy, talk about special atmospheres.

Marc: Oh what a time to be a Villa fan! I predicted we'd be top at New Year a few weeks ago and most thought I was crazy. I genuinely think we can do special, special things with Unai in charge. Villa Park is a fortress again! It will be an exciting few years ahead, starting tonight!

BBC Radio 5 Live

We're on BBC Radio 5 Live. Aaron Paul is leading our coverage. Click the play icon at the top of this page to get listening.

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Unai Emery switches away from the 3-5-2 formation deployed against Brentford, returning to a back four for this game.

Douglas Luiz returns from suspension in midfield to replace Boubacar Kamara, who was sent off last Sunday.

In total there are four changes of personnel for Villa, with Clement Lenglet partnering Ezri Konsa in central defence while Lucas Digne returns at left back.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; Douglas Luiz, McGinn; Diaby, Ramsey, Bailey; Watkins

Subs: Marschall, Diego Carlos, Alex Moreno, Chambers, Zaniolo, Duran, Dendoncker, Iroegbunam, O'Reilly

Image source, Opta

Chris Wilder meanwhile makes five changes to the Sheffield United XI which started their defeat at Chelsea.

Jack Robinson, suspended at Stamford Bridge, returns to centre back and takes the captain's armband from the absent Anel Ahmedhodzic.

Cameron Archer starts up front against the club where he came through the academy.

Sheffield United XI: Foderingham; Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Larouci; Ben Slimane; Baldock, Souza, Norwood, Brooks; Archer

Subs: Davies, Lowe, Fleck, Hamer, McBurnie, Traore, Thomas, Osborn, McAtee

Image source, Opta

Teenagers today weren't alive the last time Villa fans went to bed as league leaders at this stage of the season.

In fact, most under 25 weren't. Merry Christmas xxx

The last time Villa were top overnight at this stage of the Premier League season was nearly 25 years ago, on 28 December 1998.

They beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 to reach the summit and remained there until 8 January 1999.

Current England manager Gareth Southgate, external started in defence, and scored the opening goal.

Image source, Getty Images

We'll have plenty of time to chat Sheffield United, I promise!

But tonight this really does feel like the beginning of something special for Aston Villa.

Villa have won each of their last 15 Premier League home games; it’s their longest such run in their league history, while only three sides have won more consecutively at home in the Premier League – Liverpool (24 between 2019 and 2020), Manchester City (20 between 2011 and 2012) and Manchester United (19 between 2010 and 2011).

Emma Smith
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Hello from a very windswept Birmingham, where Aston Villa have the chance to move top of the Premier League at Christmas for the first time in 25 years.

Storm Pia is certainly being felt around Villa Park, with rain and high winds battering the stadium as fans arrived earlier.

Villa must ensure their hopes of a landmark win are not blown away by a reinvigorated Sheffield United tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

While you ponder those answers, there's some early news to bring you.

Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne are both available for Aston Villa after serving a suspension but Boubacar Kamara begins a three-match ban.

Pau Torres has been ruled out after he was substituted last weekend with an ankle injury, while Youri Tielemans remains sidelined.

Sheffield United welcome back defender Jack Robinson, who was suspended for last week's defeat by Chelsea.

The Blades remain without six injured players.

Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jayden Bogle, Gustavo Hamer and Will Osula are all one booking from a ban, as are Villa trio John McGinn, Matty Cash and Jhon Duran.

Full teams news will be out at 19:00 GMT.

My boss sent me this cracker of a Christmas quiz question just now...

"Since 2000, only seven different teams have been top of the Premier League after 18 games. Villa are hoping to join the elite club tonight. Can you name the magnificent seven?"

This could be my chance at a late Christmas bonus people! Help a brother out and send me some suggestions on X, WhatsApp and text.