Aston Villa v Hull City
Football: England, Premier League
Saturday, 5th December 2009 - Kickoff 15:00

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Aston Villa (6th) Home 4-2-1 13:6

Aston Villa are looking a very solid side at home this season, especially given that that one home loss occured on opening day, and manager Martin O'Neill has Villa on the fringes of a top four spot.

Villa are still largely a counter-attacking side though, utilising pace down ther flanks, and apart from the 5-1 mauling of Bolton Wanderers here a month ago the goals tend to come in ones and twos.

Aston Villa Team News :
Stewart Downing is in contention to make his first league start for Villa following a goalscoring full debut in Tuesday's League Cup win at Portsmouth.

Defender James Collins is still absent with groin and calf problems, but John Carew returns from a hamstring strain.

Also Injured: Bouma (toe), Davies (shoulder)

Hull City (15th) Away 0-2-5 5:18

Hull City are playing with a bit more confidence now, boosted by a run of four games without defeat, including a fighting 1-1 draw at Eastlands against Manchester City last Saturday.

The Tigers have climbed four points away from the relegation zone with that run, albeit having played a game more, and largely on the back of home form.

Hull City Team News :
Hull midfielder Seyi Olofinjana remains sidelined with the hamstring injury he suffered while on international duty last month.

Full-back Paul McShane is again likely to be preferred to Bernard Mendy.

Also Injured: Ashbee (knee).

The Betting Verdict :

Both sides are now settling into the season, and delivering roughly what we expected to see from both clubs.

Hull are starting to benefit from a seasons experience in the top flight, although that's mostly shown through at home.

I expect Aston Villa to win.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Aston Villa 2-1 Hull City

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Aston Villa 65% - Draw 24% - Hull City 11%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take ASTON VILLA to win and the 1.50 price at Interwetten for the home win is fair.