Aston Villa V Wolverhampton Wanderers
Football : England : Premier League
Saturday 20th March – Kickoff 12:45pm

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A midlands rivalry that dates all the way back to the first day of league football in 1888 continues this Saturday. The motivational carrots dangling before these two teams however, are very different.

Aston Villa

Martin O’Neill’s side currently lie 7th, a mere 3 points below 4th placed Spurs. Aston Villa will look to use this game in hand to pull level and push on with their Champions League bid. Villa are the only unbeaten side left in the top flight this year, but a look at their results shows that they have a fair few draws, and only the 2 wins in the last 5. That sort of form will not get them into Europe’s premier competition, so they need to capitalise here in a match they are clear favourites to win, at least on paper.

Villa didn’t look very convincing in their last win, at Wigan. Main striker Agbonlahor picked up a groin strain and isn’t looking 100%. There is however, plenty of talent in the side, as he could easily be replaced by Heskey to partner Carew. Milner and Young down the flanks are always a danger, and Wolves will surely not manage a clean sheet here.

The Villains were held to a draw in the reverse fixture; although it must be pointed out that it took a penalty for Wolves to get the point. At home, Villa are capable of scoring at will, as demonstrated by the 5-2 thumping of Burnley, despite going behind early. Villa also boast the best defensive record in the Premier League. Wolves are now notorious for wasting every chance they create, and they will struggle to break down their opponents.

Wolverhampton

Wolves occupy 17th place, and are fighting for their Premiership survival. They did themselves a massive favour by beating Burnley 2-1 in their last match, but those of you who watched it will agree they were fortunate and had to ride their luck a bit. Still, after all those misses, they were bound to start putting away chances at some stage. But Burnley and Villa are two very different kettles of fish.

Although Wolves put at end to their three match losing streak, the task they face here is far too steep. Villa have conceded only 22 goals all season, making them the best defence in the league. Guess who’s scored the least number of goals this season? Yep, Wolves.

A total of just 23 goals this season is quite awful; this wasteful side have been kept off the scoresheet 7 times in their last 11 games. I just can’t see things changing for Wolves, who are doubly impotent away from home. Don’t be surprised if Villa are the only ones doing the scoring on the day.

The Betting Verdict :

Mick McCarthy’s boys will fight hard and create chances, but don’t expect an upset here. Villa will eventually pull away and hammer their old rivals.

With Aggy out, I’d expect Carew to put on a show for us. I fancy him to score in what should be a fairly routine Villa victory.

Home win.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Aston Villa to win @ 1.40 (Bet365) – Main Bet


Consider trying :
- John Carew to score anytime at 2.30 (Bet365)
- or try John Carew to score last @ 6.00 (PaddyPower)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Aston Villa AH (-1) @ 1.75 (Pinnacle) - Main Bet