Aston Villa V Blackburn Rovers
English Premier League
Villa Park, Birmingham
Kickoff 15:00 GMT

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ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa have "turned a corner" in the last month beating Tottenham and Reading at home and then earning a 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Monday night.

Martin O'Neill's side didn't play very well, but still managed to come from behind to secure the draw and almost scored an excellent win.

Villa's strength is at set-pieces, with defender Martin Laursen scored six times this season, and even though it's now a known tactic it is still very hard to stop.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Blackburn Rovers' last five games have been against sides in the bottom half of the league, and that means a chance to pick up good results and boost confidence.

Blackburn have picked up points on the road recently winning at both Derby and Bolton and drawing at Manchester City - but this trip to Villa Park is a tougher test.

HEAD TO HEAD

Villa Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Rovers who have lost here on five of the last six trips - including each of the last three. (see below)

THE VERDICT

A tricky game to call a bet on as the Villa win is the most likely result but the 2.00 price is someway short of fair value (2.20 - 2.25)

In contrast there is enough improvement in Blackburn's play to have a bit of interest in the 4.20 price for the away win which is good value - but that's still a bit of a roughie.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Aston Villa 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Aston Villa 45% - Draw 25% - Blackburn Rovers 30%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

No bet recommended. Fans of either side could justify a reason for a bet though.