Man United vs Aston Villa: Surprising Nicolas Jackson odds cause alarm ahead of Old Trafford clash

On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford in a huge match for Michael Carrick in his bid to remain the Man Utd manager.

The Red Devils have won just one Premier League match this season, and if they fail to pick up all three points on Sunday, a managerial change is surely on the way during the international break.

While the wider picture is potentially severe for Carrick, his immediate focus will be on this match in isolation. As part of that, he will be trying to figure out a way to keep Nicolas Jackson quiet.

Jackson has enjoyed a brilliant start to his Aston Villa career, making his odds of 2/1 to merely have over 1.5 shots on target one of the most alarming (in the best way) markets available this weekend.

Nicolas Jackson priced at 2/1 to have over 1.5 shots on target against Man Utd

As the spearhead of the Aston Villa attack, Jackson has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, scoring eight goals across 13 appearances in all competitions for his new club.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich man is relishing his role in Unai Emery's system, with his work rate and movement helping create plenty of chances, not only for himself but his teammates, too.

Over his last five Premier League appearances, Jackson has registered at least two shots on target on four occasions, making a mockery of the bookies' implied probability that he only has a 33.3% chance of registering two shots on target this weekend.

What's more, he has scored five goals in that same period, including two against Man City, proving he can deliver against the elite.

Jackson to feast on a wounded defence

A player of Jackson's ability is a logistical nightmare for a defence devoid of all confidence. His movement, power and hold-up play are the last thing the likes of Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven will want to deal with this weekend.

Man Utd have not kept a single clean sheet in the Premier League this season, so Jackson should have plenty of opportunities to get shots away, only increasing the likelihood of him registering two on target.

Over United's last four matches in all competitions, they have conceded 11 goals, so Villa will kick themselves if they don't go for the throat on Sunday.