ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - ASTON VILLA V BIRMINGHAM CITY

English Premier

2008-04-20 - Aston Villa vs Birmingham City

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Aston Villa have the advantage here as they have managed to win their last three meetings with rivals Birmingham in the Premiership. Also Martin O’Neil’s side knows that Birmingham have gone 15 games without a clean sheet which is a new record in the Premiership, so they will want to extend that run to 16 games when they meet here today.

Both sides have different missions coming into this match as for Aston Villa would see them overtake Portsmouth into sixth place and will see them cut the gap to fifth-placed Everton to three points as teams battle for places for the UEFA Cup spot. A win for Villa would also put their rivals closer to relegation after Bolton managed to beat Middlesbrough which now means that Birmingham is occupying the bottom three spot.

With regards to the team news, Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner could feature after resuming full training with the side. O’Neill has a full squad at his disposal and after beating Derby 6-0 in the Premiership last weekend would want to continue where they left off.

As for Birmingham, they will give late fitness test to James McFadden and Sebastian Larsson before kick off as they are rated doubtful with knee injuries suffered in the 1-1 draw with Everton. Mauro Zarate could come into the side if McFadden fails to recover on time.

But the visitors will not have the services of Damian Johnson after he was red carded against Wigan and have to serve his second match of a three part suspension. They are also missing the likes of midfielder Olivier Kapo who is out with a long-term hamstring injury and will definitely miss this match. Central defender Martin Taylor also misses out with a hamstring injury.

Take Aston Villa to win this match and give the 3/4 ball away here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Aston Villa to win this match.