Wolves v Aston Villa

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Aston Villa look excellent value to record their 6th win in 8 Premiership games at local rivals Wolves.

Martin O’Neill’s side are currently second in the Premier League form guide after taking 13 points from a possible 18, including a superb 2-1 win over title favourites Chelsea last weekend.

Their only defeat since the opening day of the season came in a 2-1 reverse at Blackburn – when they were undone by an 88th minute penalty and unlucky not to take anything from the match.

Other than that the Villains have looked top 6 contenders, with Richard Dunne and James Collins forming a no-nonsense back line that are a big weapon at set pieces in the attacking half – as John Terry and co will testify.

And away from home, with the pace of Ashley Young, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor on the counter-attack, they often produce their best football.

This is summed up by the stats, as Villa produced 7 consecutive away victories in the league last season and only 3 teams in the division scored more on the road – 27 in 19 matches.

With O’Neill having a fully fit first XI to select from and a full weeks rest to boot, they will be a very difficult proposition for Mick McCarthy’s Wanderers.

Can the hosts cope? A run of just 1 win in their last 7 – with no clean sheet in that time – suggests that Wolves are struggling.

The 1-1 draw at Everton last time out was creditable result but don’t forget that their goal – a complete route one punt picked up on by Kevin Doyle – was completely against the run of play.

Just 8 goals scored in 9 games and only 1 win in 4 at Molineux is not the sort of form to inspire confidence in McCarthy keeping this side in the division.

Taking all this into account and I am amazed that you can back Villa at odds-against in the match odds and that looks the best bet of the day.

Yes, it is a local derby, but Villa’s 1-0 win at even fiercer rivals Birmingham City showed that this is a team who can deal with a hostile atmosphere.

The goalscorer markets could also be of interest as 9 of Villa’s 12 league goals this season have come from set pieces, including all of their last 3 which have been scored by Dunne and Collins.


PREDICTION : ASTON VILLA TO WIN