Newcastle United V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 5 February 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Sports Direct Arena

Preview

After dispatching of lowly Blackburn in midweek, Newcastle are within striking distance of the top-four – a territory which rewards occupants with Champions League football. They’re above both Arsenal and Liverpool and a third successive home Premier League win on Sunday, when they entertain an inconsistent Aston Villa, would see them move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, who are by no means guaranteed to pick up points when they host title-chasing Manchester United immediately after.

Uncharted territory? Possibly. After all, this is a club who were listed among several capable of going down at the beginning of the campaign. Nonetheless, Magpies chief Alan Pardew is adamant his side can realistically achieve a top-four finish this season – a feat they last achieved back in 2002. Who are we to argue? They’re above Arsenal and Liverpool on merit, plus they have no distractions from here on out; survival is assured while their FA Cup adventure lasted just two rounds, exiting in the fourth-round to Championship side Brighton.

Personally, I don’t expect them to maintain the sort of consistency required in order to pip some top-quality teams to those coveted Champions League spots. If they believe different, Aston Villa at home simply must be converted into three-points – especially on a weekend where they could dish out a mental blow to their rivals, all of which – bar Arsenal – face each other.

Newcastle have, however, won their last two league fixtures on home soil, beating Manchester United (3-0) and QPR (1-0), so they have every right to feel confident ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa – a team who blow hot and cold. However, Alex McLeish’s Villains are in decent form themselves and could seriously dent the Toon’s European aspirations.

Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw at home to QPR on Wednesday, in which they fought back from two-goals down, extended their unbeaten run in the league to three matches, while they’ve not been beaten on their travels since a 2-0 loss to Tottenham on 21 November, 2011 – winning three of five away league games since, including high-scoring victories at Chelsea (1-3) and locals Wolves (2-3).

Furthermore, Alex McLeish’s charges demonstrated just how much of a threat they can be on their travels, when playing primarily on the counter, at Arsenal recently, in the fourth-round of the FA Cup. The Villains counter-attacked ruthlessly throughout that contest, with the in-form Darren Bent a constant threat – as he always is, the striker who has four goals in his last four league and cup appearances. Only a capitulation of cataclysmic proportions denied them progress, as they squandered a two-goal advantage at the break to lose 3-2.

A third consecutive away victory in the league is what Aston Villa are targeting, to back up their impressive wins at Chelsea and Wolves recently, and they’ll be hoping to pick up precisely where they left off on Wednesday, when clawing back a two-goal half-time deficit to earn an unlikely share of the spoils against a resurgent QPR.

One thing’s for sure, Villa can ill-afford another lacklustre first-half; Newcastle have become specialists at opening the scoring and then protecting their lead, plus they’ll be even more of a threat than they have in recent weeks now that Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are back in contention following Senegal’s early exit from the African Cup of Nations. Although midfield general Yohan Cabaye will serve the second of a three-match ban.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle; 17 September, 2011. Gabriel Agbonlahor had given Villa an early lead at Villa Park, netting during what was a purple patch for the England international, but his effort was cancelled out midway into the second-half by Leon Best.

- In last season’s St James’ Park encounter, Newcastle ran up a cricket score as goals from Joey Barton, two from Kevin Nolan and a Andy Carroll hat-trick – yes, he used to score hat-tricks back then for the Magpies, earned the hosts a comprehensive 6-0 victory.

- Newcastle have won three and lost none of their previous five Premier League home meetings with Aston Villa.

- Aston Villa have failed to score on their previous three league visits to St James’ Park.

Newcastle

- Alan Pardew’s Magpies (League Position: 5TH; Form: LWWLW) are up to fifth after their midweek 2-0 win at Blackburn, three-points behind Chelsea in fourth and the Champions League places.

- Newcastle have only been beaten twice at home this season (W6 D3 L2), winning their last two, against Manchester United (3-0) and QPR (1-0).

- Goalkeeper Tim Krul has kept four clean sheets in his last six Premier League starts.

Aston Villa

- Villa are unbeaten in three Premier League matches (W1 D2), drawing 2-2 with QPR at home during the week.

- Victory over Newcastle would be Aston Villa’s third in a row away from home in the Premier League, having gone their last five away matches without losing (W3 D2).

- Striker Darren Bent has four goals in as many appearances, although just two of his nine strikes in the league this season were netted away from home.

Betting

Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN @ 14/5 (StanJames)

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will be delighted to welcome back African Cup of Nations flops Demba and Papiss Cisse, whose Senegal team failed to win a single game at the tournament to finish stone-last in their group. With this in mind, Pardew would be wise to start the duo on the bench, as he could have himself a couple of bruised egos. But he needs goals, as this is a match Newcastle have to be winning if they’re to mount a realistic assault on the top-four.

Although they haven’t been winning too many games of late, Aston Villa have impressed me no-end. Finally the team is scoring goals again – they scored twice last time out, at home to QPR in the league, three on recent league skirmishes to Chelsea and Wolves, and another two at Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend. Darren Bent is also firing on all cylinders again, with four in as many games, while even Charles N’Zogbia has hit a bit of form.

Because of the way Aston Villa play, and with Newcastle hosting this match in the knowledge that their manager is expecting victory, I can see the visitors causing endless amounts of problems on the break for a Magpies defence that has kept four clean sheets in six Premier League games. Therefore, Bent to notch in an away triumph for Alex McLeish’s Villains seems cracking value to me.

Value Bet: Newcastle/Aston Villa (HT/FT Betting) @ 40/1 (Boylesports)

This seems like a fanciful bet, and it is I suppose, but there is some logic to it. Newcastle have had a knack of getting their noses in front this season, scoring the opening goal in each of their previous six league games. Meanwhile Villa, especially of late, have established a habit for conceding early before mounting a comeback (recent examples include their midweek draw with QPR, their most recent away league fixture at Wolves, and even Chelsea at Stamford Bridge).

Match Odds

Newcastle – 6/5 (BetVictor)

Draw – 12/5 (Bet365)

Aston Villa – 14/5 (StanJames)

Arsenal V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 29 January 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

FA Cup, Fourth Round

Preview

The final FA Cup Fourth-Round tie of the weekend is an all Premiership affair as Aston Villa, buoyed by their 3-2 victory over local rivals Wolves, head to north London to tackle an out of form Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium – where the Villains recorded a 2-1 win on their last visit, on the final day of last season. You’ll get handsome odds on a repeat, mind.

Only eleven-time winners Manchester United have lifted the FA Cup more times than Arsenal (10), whose most recent triumph in this competition was in 2005 when they beat the aforementioned on penalties at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. They’re 15/2 third-favourites to claim their eleventh honour, which looks a precarious bet considering they are by no means guaranteed to be in Sunday’s Fifth-Round draw.

You’d think a home draw would be beneficial. It should; the Gunners have only lost three times at their swanky Emirates home all season (W13 D3 L3 in all competitions) – though their most recent occurred just seven days ago, to Manchester United, and it was preceded by league defeats away to Fulham and Swansea, which came either side of a nervy and unconvincing performance against Leeds in the third round. They prevailed, of course, otherwise we wouldn’t be talking about them now.

It was fans favourite and club legend Thierry Henry who sparred Arsenal’s blushes in the previous round, coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game on his return following the completion of his loan deal from MLS club New York Red Bulls. The Frenchman is however doubtful for Sunday meaning Arsene Wenger has little choice but to start Robin Van Persie, the prolific but injury prone Dutchman who has been rapped up in cotton wool on occasions this season.

Being without Thierry Henry is the least of Arsene Wenger’s problems. Once again the Gunners tactician will be shorn of key players – in defence especially – with Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh all unavailable. There is some good news, though – Mikel Arteta should return to partner Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey in midfield while there may even be a place on the bench for Bacary Sagna, the full-back who has spent the past three months recovering from a broken ankle.

Once again Arsene Wenger may have to select four central defenders in defence, meaning there will be two makeshift full-backs on the pitch. That could be a crucial factor in determining who progresses, as Villa do boast ample pace on the flanks. Charles N’Zogbia has been ruled out but Gabriel Agbonlahor is available and he along with Marc Albrighton will look to terrorise this unconvincing Gunners rearguard that has shipped seven goals in its last three Premier League games.

Up front for the visitors meanwhile will be the resurgent pairing of Darren Bent and Robbie Keane, with the pair accounting for all three of the team’s goals in last week’s 3-2 win at Midlands rivals Wolves. Keane, on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy, bagged in a brace in that game. However all eyes will be on Darren Bent on Sunday, as it was his brace in last season’s corresponding fixture which earned Villa a shock 2-1 victory at the Emirates.

Match Pointers

- In order to get this far, Arsenal had to overcome Leeds at home (1-0) while Aston Villa faced opposition from League Two in Bristol Rovers (1-3).

- Arsenal were 2-1 victors when the two sides met at Villa Park in the Premier League in December, reversing Villa’s 2-1 victory at the Emirates on the final day of last season.

- Aston Villa have succumbed to defeat on just one of their previous five visits to North London to face Arsenal (W2 D2 L1 – Villa’s last five at Arsenal).

- Arsenal have now lost three league games on the spin following last week’s 2-1 home reverse to Manchester United, conceding seven times during this retched run.

- Alex McLeish’s Villa have incurred more defeats at home than they have on their travels in this season’s Premier League (Villa’s Away Record in PL: W3 D6 L2) – they’re also unbeaten in their last five away matches versus top flight opposition (W3 D2).

Betting

Arsenal’s reputation in the FA Cup has clearly gone before them, as no way are they 4/7 favourites here. They host this tie on the back of three successive league defeats, their record against Aston Villa is hardly a source of encouragement – they’ve only beat them once in their previous five meetings in north London, losing twice – while they’re still missing a host of key players, particularly in defence, where they are especially vulnerable having shipped seven in their previous three matches against Premier League opposition.

It’s alright pointing out the obvious, that Arsenal are once again understrength – as they’ve been for most of the season, but you can only oppose them with the right opponent. To their credit, they have coped admirably; they sit 5TH and are firmly in contention for a top-four finish, but they’re up against a team in Villa whose pace on the flanks willpose Arsenal’s makeshift full-backs all sorts of questions. Agbonlahor and Albrighton will be a constant threat out wide all afternoon and if they supply good service to the in-form strike duo of Robbie Keane and Darren Bent… you know the rest.

For me, Arsenal are ridiculous odds. As are Aston Villa, who should be a lot shorter than their 5/1 quote. Get on Alex McLeish’s resurgent Villains at staggering odds!

Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN @ 5/1 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Darren Bent to Score @ 9/4 Bet365

Match Odds

Arsenal – 8/13 Ladbrokes

Draw – 16/5 BetVictor

Aston Villa – 5/1 PaddyPower

Bristol Rovers V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 7 January 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Memorial Ground

Preview

At 33/1, you could say Aston Villa are exceptional value to be crowned 2011/12 FA Cup winners, having won the competition no fewer than seven times in their 137-year existence. Only three clubs have won the oldest domestic knockout competition in club football more times in fact. But with their last triumph some 55 years ago, way back in 1957, and with their last appearance in a final back in 2000, it’s little wonder they’re so alluring.

The fact of the matter is, Aston Villa have rarely come close to adding to their impressive haul ever since they last lifted the trophy aloft. Though they did make it all the way to Wembley a couple of seasons ago, under Martin O’Neill, who guided the club to the semi-final before losing in agonising fashion to eventual winners Chelsea. However there are several reasons why those Villains do appeal at the odds.

The first being the appointment of Alex McLeish in the summer, the former Birmingham manager who last season guided the aforementioned club to the final of the Carling Cup, beating Arsenal at Wembley in dramatic circumstances. ‘Big Eck’ knows exactly what is required in order to go the distance, while he always makes his teams as difficult as possible beat, as Chelsea found out the other week when Villa went to Stamford Bridge and won 3-1.

A distinct lack of targets in the league is the second reason why Villa should do well in the FA Cup; they’re not going to be relegated, nowhere near, but at the same time aren’t strong enough to mount an assault on the top-six. Now while that may seem a negative, the fact they aren’t strong enough to contend with some of the strongest teams in the country, I do mean over the course of a season and not in 90 minutes of football.

Villa demonstrated precisely what they are capable of when push comes to shove, when they execute their game plan to perfection and everyone pulls in the same direction, on New Year’s Eve by beating Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. So, on any given day Alex McLeish’s team could turn one of the big teams over.

The Villains begin their quest for the FA Cup at the Memorial Ground, home of free-falling Bristol Rovers who go into the Third Round without a manager. Paul Buckle was given his marching orders on Tuesday, leaving the club 19TH in League Two after a dismal run of four straight defeats. Assistant manager Shaun North will now take charge of Saturday’s game, handed the daunting task of selecting a team from a group devoid of any confidence.

It’s set-up to be a comfortable evening for favourites Villa, who are 4/7 to show their class. There are goals here if they want them, too, with Rovers conceding eight in their previous two fixtures at the Memorial Ground, against lowly Crewe (2-5) and Plymouth (2-3). However, The Pirates shown glimpses of quality in the previous round, away at non-league AFC Totton, netting six times in all – three coming in the first 15 minutes – and if they could get off to a flyer then who knows, the giant-killing may well be on.

Match Pointers

- These two teams have met three times in the Third Round of the FA Cup, with Aston Villa winning on all three occasions.

- Last competitive meeting was nineteen years ago, in the Third Round of the FA Cup; the pair drew 1-1 at Villa Park but Aston Villa won the replay in Bristol 3-0.

- Bristol Rovers sit 19TH in League Two, a division they haven’t won a game in since 29 October – they’ve lost six of eight ever since, including each of the last four.

- The Pirates have scored nine goals in their two FA Cup ties so far, recording emphatic wins over Corby Ton (3-1) and AFC Totton (1-6).

- Aston Villa have dropped to 13TH in the Premier League after winning just one of their last five, but did beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in their most recent away encounter.

- The Villains are now unbeaten in four on their travels (W2 D2), while they’ve only lost twice away from home in the top flight all season (W2 D6 L2).

Betting

Personally, I don’t foresee the upset. Bristol Rovers are a club in disarray at the present time and on current form, with the team having lost their last four league matches by an aggregate of 5-14, they could be on the wrong end of a hammering. Especially as Villa arrive in good knick themselves, despite losing at home to Swansea in midweek.

Losing to Swansea at Villa Park was a big turn up for the books, as Alex McLeish would have expected nothing less than for his team to build on their sensational victory over Chelsea in London. Fortunately they’ve been given a very generous opportunity to make amends, with progress in the FA Cup at stake when they travel to hapless Bristol Rovers.

Villa have been toothless at times this season, but defensively they remain resolute so it’s very difficult to see the underdogs even scoring. With that in mind, picking a winner was a simple task. Provided McLeish names a strong team – and he has to, because those on the fringes simply aren’t reliable – this should be routine for the Villains. When is it ever, though?

Recommended Bet: Aston Villa to WIN – 4/7 Bet365

Value Bet: Aston Villa 3-0 (Correct Score) – 12/1 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Bristol Rovers – 6/1 VictorChandler

Draw – 3/1 WilliamHill

Aston Villa – 4/7 Bet365

Aston Villa V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Darren Bent scored twice at the Emirates to earn Aston Villa a surprise 2-1 victory over Arsenal on the final day of last season – at home, though, they’ve not recorded a league win over the Gunners since 1998, losing six of the subsequent twelve meetings at Villa Park. Gabriel Agbonlahor is back from suspension, after missing Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, but goalkeeper Shay Given is out until the New Year while the aforementioned Bent is doubtful with a thigh problem.

Villa now sit tenth in the league following their weekend reversal to Liverpool, which was their second in succession at home after losing 1-0 to Man Utd on 3 December. Alex McLeish’s men have now faced four of the top six and failed to register a single point, plundering just the one goal but conceding nine. Next up is Arsenal, whom they conceded four to in last season’s corresponding fixture in Birmingham, which they lost 4-2.

Arsenal suffered their first league defeat in over two months when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by league leaders Man City on Sunday, ending a run of eight games without losing for Arsene Wenger’s side that included seven wins and one draw. Their performance merited a great deal more though, which is why I really fancy them to bounce back with three points here provided they overcome the loss of Alex Song in the middle of the park, who is suspended.

Johan Djourou, Carl Jenkinson, Bacary Sagna, Andre Santos and Jack Wilshere are all out injured, while midfielder Abou Diaby and full-back Kieran Gibbs are doubtful for the Gunners, who will once again be spearheaded by the Flying Dutchman, Robin Van Persie, who only needs two more goals to equal the feat of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who once scored 35 Premier League goals in a calender year.

Stat Attack

- Arsenal are unbeaten in twelve visits to Aston Villa in the league, winning six.

- Aston Villa have failed to register a single point against the top six teams in the Premier League this season, losing 4-1 at Man City, 2-0 at Tottenham, 1-0 at home to Man Utd and losing last weekend’s home clash with Liverpool 2-0.

- The Gunners had won three on the spin away from home in the league before losing 1-0 to Man City at Eastlands on Sunday, recording wins at Chelsea (3-5), Norwich (1-2) and Wigan (0-4).

- Darren Bent has six goals in his last eight league appearances versus Arsenal, including both in Aston Villa’s 2-0 win at the Emirates back in May.

- Robin Van Persie has netted 18 goals in his previous 17 away Premier League appearances but has never scored at Villa Park.

Our Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 4/5 PaddyPower

Villa have lacked cutting edge against the classier sides in the division, failing to penetrate either of Liverpool, Man Utd or Tottenham. Having Gabriel Agbonlahor back from suspension will certainly bolster the levels of creativity, but Darren Bent remains a doubt and without him it is almost impossible to highlight where their goals will come from. There aren’t too many teams who have scored fewer goals than them (18 in 16 games), and most of those were with Bent in the side.

Losing their first league game for over two months is a huge mental blow for the Gunners, but they gave as good as they got away to Man City and definitely deserved at least a share of the spoils, possibly even more. Defensively they were resolute, something we never thought we would say of Arsenal, while the pace of Gervinho and Theo Walcott on the counter caused one of the strongest defences in the Premier League in Man City’s countless problems.

Manchester City were left breathing a huge sigh of relief on Sunday; Arsenal were a constant a threat and a performance of the same intensity would see them tear this uninspired, toothless Villa team to shreds.

Value Bet: Robin Van Persie First Goalscorer – 7/2 bWin

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 SkyBet

Arsenal – 4/5 PaddyPower

Bolton V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Reebok

Preview

It could pay to follow not only the form book but history as well at The Reebok on Saturday, where second from bottom Bolton host ninth in the table Aston Villa in Lancashire. Four of the previous six Premier League meetings at Bolton have ended all-square, so with neither bringing any winning momentum to the fore, the stalemate does boast enormous amounts of appeal.

A share of the spoils wouldn’t be much use to Bolton, though, with the Trotters in urgent need of all three if they’re to make a long-awaited return to safety, having spent much of the term languishing in the relegation zone. Just three wins all season, from fourteen, speaks volumes, though, about their chances.

There is at least some good news for the hosts. Central defender Gary Cahill, whom scored twice as Bolton recorded a 3-2 win in this fixture last season, has had his red card at White Hart Lane rescinded meaning he is eligible to face his former club at the weekend.

The bad news? Well, there’s loads of the stuff. No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals (34), registered fewer points at home (3) or are currently on a longer losing streak than Owen Coyle’s side (3). Meanwhile, defender David Wheater will serve the second of his three-match suspension.

Aston Villa themselves are shorn of a number of influential figures, although none more pivotal than goalkeeper Shay Given. The Republic of Ireland keeper has bundles of experience, is a commanding presence behind the back-four, and is the main reason why the team have drawn so many games this season; without him, Villa’s lack of potency in the final third would be exposed to wide-spread criticism.

Last week’s 1-0 loss at home to Manchester United stretched Villa’s barren run in front of goal to three games – a little over six hours in total since their last Premier League goal. Hence why large sections of the Villa Park faithful are vehemently against this Alex McLeish regime.

Difficult to beat they most certainly but attractive, entertaining football has been sacrificed as a result and fans aren’t best pleased. The attackers are barely getting a touch of the ball these days, with Darren Bent often cutting the shape of a forlorn figure roaming about up top on his lonesome. As for their big summer signing, Charles N’Zogbia didn’t even make the bench for the visit of United, which naturally sparked rumours of mutiny in camp.

Worrying times then, with the relationship between supporters and manager fractious to say the very least. Losing both Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas to injury only serves to dispirit the camp further, one which has now gone over a month since tasting victory and are without an away win so far, drawing five of seven on the road.

Match Pointers

- Four of their last six Premier League meetings at The Reebok ended with the sides sharing the spoils, though it was Bolton who came out on top in their most recent encounter in Lancashire – central defender Gary Cahill scored twice as Bolton won 3-2 on 5 March, 2011.

- Bolton sit second from bottom in the table after winning only three of their fourteen Premier League games thus far (W3 D0 L11); their record at The Reebok reads a dispiriting W1 D0 L6.

- The Trotters are currently on a run of three consecutive league defeats, the last two without scoring.

- Although they have won as few a games as Bolton, Aston Villa sit ninth in the table (W3 D7 L4), mainly due to the sheer number of draws they’ve had (7).

- Alex McLeish’s Villa have yet to register their first away win of the season (D5 L2), failing to score in each of their previous two.

Betting

Two teams who simply cannot buy a win go head-to-head at The Reebok, where four of the previous six league encounters between the two sides have ended in a draw. You sense where this is heading? Under the circumstances, having lost three on the bounce, merely avoiding defeat would be a step in the right direction for Bolton. But a point isn’t enough for the Trotters to leap out of the relegation zone, and a point wouldn’t be all that good a result considering their opponents are out of sorts themselves and without an away win all season.

Bolton have conceded their fair share, the most of any top flight team in fact, but Villa have offered very little going forward. Darren Bent is a ruthless finisher, but it’s impossible for him to score if chances aren’t being made for him. Bolton have struggled going forward as well and had it not been for their 5-0 mauling of Stoke in November, their figures would make for miserable reading.

Can’t say that I’m taking with either side if truth be told. The fact this is a winnable fixture for both could ensure we at least avoid a dour goalless draw, however I doubt there will be an awful lot to choose between them so the draw seems a logical punt.

In terms of value, Gary Cahill scoring against his former could be worth a crack, especially as the England centre-back received a touch of good fortune in midweek having his red card at Tottenham last weekend rescinded.

Prediction: Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Value Bet: Gary Cahill to Score – 15/2 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Bolton – 8/5 Ladbrokes

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Aston Villa – 2/1 Bet365

Aston Villa V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 3 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Villa Park has been a happy hunting ground for Manchester United over the years, with the Red Devils winning nine and losing none of their previous 15 visits in the Premier League. Their last defeat there occurred way back in 1995. Yet I could not touch them with a proverbial barge pole on Saturday, when they tackle Aston Villa in the live tea-time clash on ESPN.

It’s been sixteen years since Aston Villa last recorded a win at Villa Park over Manchester United in the Premier League – but their barren run has every chance of coming to an end on Saturday. Alex McLeish’s team could not of wished for an opportunistic time to face the defending champions, right on the back of two retched results; their first coming in the league at home to Newcastle, dropping two valuable points in a 1-1 draw, though Wednesday’s exit from the Carling Cup was far more humiliating.

In years gone by, punters would put their life’s savings on United bouncing back. They coined the phrase ‘bounce-back ability’. But this is no vintage crop. This is a young side very much in transition, while there are still question marks over certain individuals/positions. So much so that at this moment in time, with United lacking combative numbers in the middle of the park, Sir Alex Ferguson has resorted to using Wayne Rooney – the most influential figure in the side, from an attacking point of view – as a makeshift central midfielder.

Dropping Rooney back has paid dividends, although only by virtue of Javier Hernandez’s clinical instincts. United have only mustered six goals in as many league games and four of those were netted by the Mexican starlet, who just so happens to have scored in each of his team’s last three away matches. Had it not been for his tap-ins, many would be questioning Ferguson’s decision regarding Wayne Rooney’s new role.

On the plus side, goalkeeper David de Gea isn’t being called upon as regularly as he once was. In fact, Demba Ba’s converted penalty last weekend – which should never have been – was the first goal he had conceded in over six-and-a-half-hours of Premiership football. The drawback: any team competent in defence could spring a surprise with a clinical performance of their own against a goal-shy Manchester United side.

Villa certainly fit the above description. Manager Alex McLeish does try to make his team as difficult as possible to beat, even if it hasn’t always paid off. Comprehensive defeats away to Man City (4-1) and Tottenham (2-0) being prime examples. At home, though, Villa are usually a different proposition; they’ve scored 10 of their 16 goals at Villa Park, and conceded five goals fewer than on their travels.

Villa Park is also where Darren Bent has tended to spring into life this season; all five of his Premier League goals for the term where netted on home soil. Of course, Bent no longer has Ashley Young and Stewart Downing assisting him on the flanks, and that is having a detrimental effect on the number of chances he gets.

However, wingers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Charles N’Zogbia, as disappointing as they’ve been so far this season, are incredibly talented – both have bags of pace, while the pair of them are equally adept at beating markers and supplying decent service to the frontman. Their respective battles with Chris Smalling and Patrice Evra will have a significant bearing on how Villa fare in this fixture, although Smalling has only just returned from injury while Evra has looked shaky all season.

So, far from a foregone conclusion this. United deserve to be favourites; they sit second in the table, have won four and lost none of six away from home, while their record away to Aston Villa is imperious – even though they’ve drawn on their last three visits. Villa, meanwhile, have been extremely hit and miss and haven’t been the reliable sort this season. Nevertheless, I personally see a lot of value in the hosts.

Match Pointers

- Since the 1996/97 season, Aston Villa have beaten Manchester United once in 30 Premier League meetings – a 1-0 win at Old Trafford during the 2009/10 campaign.

- The previous three league encounters at Villa Park have all ended in draws, with United clawing back a two-goal deficit there last season to draw 2-2.

- Aston Villa have won only one of their last six league games, suffering three defeats during this spell (W1 D2 L3).

- Darren Bent has scored all five of his Premier League goals this season at Villa Park, netting in each of Villa’s previous three home games.

- Manchester United have scored precisely one goal in each of their last four away Premier League games, winning the previous two 1-0.

- United boast the strongest away defence in the top flight, conceding just three goals whilst keeping three clean sheets.

- Javier Hernandez has netted five of his six league goals away from home, scoring in each of United’s last three away fixtures.

Betting

I do genuinely believe an upset could be on the cards here. Manchester United are going through a tough spell at the minute, with Wednesday’s embarrassing exit from the Carling Cup at the hands of Crystal Palace only compounding last week’s setback at home to Newcastle. Goals have seriously dried up and while they have improved no end defensively, their lack of goals leaves them vulnerable against any teams with a strong defensive rearguard.

Just two teams have conceded fewer goals at home this season than Aston Villa. Their wingers simply have to make an appearance if there is to be an upset, but in striker Darren Bent you know Villa have a goal or two in them, and on current form, with United failing to score more than one goal in each of their last six league matches, that’s enough to entice me.

I’m sold. Aston Villa to win, with Darren Bent netting the first goal. Both are handsomely priced.

Match Outcome: Aston Villa to WIN – 19/4 StanJames

Value Bet: Darren Bent First Goalscorer – 13/2 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 19/4 StanJames

Draw – 14/5 StanJames

Manchester United – 8/11 PaddyPower

Tottenham Hotspur V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 21 November 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

Enjoying their best ever start to a Premiership season, Tottenham go seeking a fourth consecutive league win when they welcome Aston Villa to White Hart Lane on Monday who themselves are keen to build on a very impressive opening.

Europe is the objective for both clubs this season. Tottenham are setting their sights firmly on a top four finish and a brisk return to the Champions League, whereas Villa are at least hopeful of challenging for a top six finish that could reward them with a season in next term’s Europa League competition.

Neither have done their claims any harm in the early stages; both have suffered just two defeats so far, however Spurs (W7 D1 L2) have had a more ruthless side to their game – only four teams have plundered more goals than Harry Redknapp’s men this season (21) – and as a result go into the match sat prominently in fifth, despite having played a game less than virtually the entire league, seven points ahead of eighth in the table Villa (W3 D6 L2).

Does something have to give at White Hart Lane? Certainly not. What we have here are two teams who have done everything within their power not to lose games this season. This is also fixture which has swung either way in recent seasons – Spurs won last season’s encounter at White Hart Lane 2-1, and the reverse meeting at Villa Park by the same scoreline, but have been victorious just once at home to the Villains in the past four seasons.

Tottenham will doubtless fancy their chances at home, though, where they’ve lost only once in 21 Premier League matches, and on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run that includes seven wins, twenty goals scored and only seven conceded. However Villa have been very resilient on their travels, drawing four and losing one of their five road encounters, and will arrive in North London on a high following their enthralling 3-2 win at home to Norwich last time out.

Among the possible absentees on Monday include Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. The 64-year-old recently went under the knife for what he considered to be ‘minor heart surgery’ and, on the recommendation from doctors, is being advised to steer well clear of the dugout on Monday. Assistant Joe Jordan will take charge of first-team matters, and Jordan is hopeful top scorer Rafael Van der Vaart’s latest hamstring injury isn’t serious enough that he should sit this one out. Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Niko Kranjcar are all out injured.

Despite concerns earlier in the week regarding their conditions, Villa boss Alex McLeish is set to name both Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor in his starting line-up. The former limped off during his team’s 3-2 victory over Norwich a fortnight ago, complaining of a hamstring problem, while Agbonlahor, Villa’s joint-leading marksmen this season with five goals was forced to miss England’s recent internationals with Spain and Sweden due to a similar problem. Midfielder Jermaine Jenas is ineligible to face the club he is currently on loan from.

Match Pointers

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th

League Form: WDWWW

- Last season saw Tottenham win both league meetings with Aston Villa 2-1; all four of their goals were netted by Rafael Van der Vaart, the Dutchman who has six for the season, while both of Villa’s goals were scored by young Marc Albrighton.

- Spurs are unbeaten in eight Premier League games, home and away, winning seven, including each of the previous three.

- Tottenham have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (W12 D8 L1), winning each of the last three, scoring nine and conceding two.

Aston Villa

League Position: 8th

League Form: WLLDW

- Aston Villa have won once at White Hart Lane in their last eleven lague visits; a 2-1 victory during the 2008/09 season – Darren Bent, then of Spurs, scored in that match.

- Villa are without an away win this season, drawing four of five so far (W0 D4 L1), though they have scored in four consecutive away games.

- Darren Bent scored twice in his last match against his former club, Tottenham, doing so in Sunderland’s 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light two seasons ago.

Betting

On this spectacular run of theirs, having won seven of their last eight in an unbeaten sequence, many will view Tottenham winning this contest as merely a formality. I wouldn’t be so sure. Villa are a much more balanced side under Alex McLeish and although they aren’t playing the sort of expansive, exciting football fans demand, results have been positive.

Having conceded eleven in their last four matches, it would be fair to say Villa have lost their way a little at the back of late. You could also argue that going forward there has been a marked improvement; it’s now five in two league games following their 3-2 victory over Norwich at Villa Park a fortnight ago, while getting Darren Bent back amongst the goals couldn’t be more timely ahead of a fixture he looks forward to more than most – facing his former employers, whom, in his honest assessment, never gave him a fair crack of the whip during his time in North London.

So there is plenty going for the visitors, who do nevertheless face an uphill task nullifying Spurs’ wonderful array of attacking riches. Gareth Bale has been in terrific form on the left-wing, Scott Parker leads by example with his worth ethic and endeavour in the middle of the park while Luka Modric always has a chance or two in him. Rafael Van der Vaart has six in his previous seven appearances but does carry a knock, and is thus doubtful, which almost certainly means he won’t finish should he start. Emmanuel Adebayor is a constant threat up front, an ever-present outlet, but hasn’t netted since Spurs’ 4-0 hammering of Liverpool on 18 September.

The fantastic thing about Tottenham, what endears them to the average neutral, is they approach every match looking to score plenty of goals. They have done precisely that this season, especially at home where they’ve recorded three wins on the bounce in the league, notching nine in the process. However, Villa will try to counter the host’s offensive orientation by setting up a defensive barrier in front of Shay Given, the Irishman who provides a reliable last line of defence between the posts, and something tells me there could be a gargantuan performance in the Villains.

On the counter, making full use of Charles N’Zogbia and Gabriel Agbonlahor, who both boast pace in abundance and the ability to go past their marker, Villa will be a threat throughout. Darren Bent will also be doubly determined to make an impression at his former stomping ground, against the team he scored twice against for Sunderland in his most recent appearance versus Spurs. The visitors are definitely value, in my honest opinion, though a draw is perhaps a more realistic outcome for them – a high-scoring one, however.

Match Outcome: Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Value Bet: 2-2 Draw (Correct Score) – 20/1 Boylesports

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 4/7 PaddyPower

Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Aston Villa – 13/2 WilliamHill

Manchester City V Aston Villa

Date/Kick-Off: Saturday 15 October, 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

Having spent much of the season trailing neighbours United on goal difference alone, Manchester City have a fabulous opportunity to take the outright lead in the Premier League this weekend. The Citizens welcome Aston Villa to their Etihad Stadium on Saturday for a fixture they have dominated in recent times, winning each of the last four league contests in Manchester, all too aware of the possibility of United dropping points away to arch rivals Liverpool in the midday kick-off.

However, this on-going Carlos Tevez saga shows little signs of abating while the expected absence of top-scorer Sergio Aguero will also hamper their chances against a Villa side unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Even so, you’d expect Roberto Mancini to have enough in reserve to ensure an opponent whom his team put seven past without reply at Eastlands last season – winning 4-0 in the league and 3-0 in the FA Cup – doesn’t halt their glittering winning sequence at home which currently stands at eight consecutive victories, seven of which were without conceding.

Manchester City

League Position: 2nd

League Form: WWDWW

Unbeaten in thirteen home Premier League matches, Manchester City are unsurprisingly favourites to clinch another crucial set of three points when they host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. Overwhelming favourites at that. However, despite how clear-cut this fixture looks on paper – City have won their previous eight home Premier League matches, seven without conceding, and dominate the recent head-to-head having won the last four meetings in Manchester – City chief Roberto Mancini must guard against complacency, as Saturday’s opponents are one of only four sides in the top-flight yet to taste defeat this season.

So City will need to keep their wits about them on Saturday. Especially seeing as Villa have drawn all three of their away matches in the Premier League this season – and a point from their latest visit to Eastlands would be deemed a fantastic result for them. The onus, then, will fall on the home side to break down what is likely to be a typically dogged and well organised Aston Villa backline under Alex McLeish.

It bodes well that only Manchester United (24) have plundered more goals than what has been a free-scoring City (23) team this season. The Citizens are averaging just over three-goals-per-game in the league and have scored nine without replay in their three matches at Eastlands. But Mancini is a little light on the ground from a striking perspective. Carlos Tevez is apparently ‘finished’ at the club after refusing to come off the bench in last month’s Champions League match with Bayern Munich, Edin Dzeko is also being punished for an act of dissent in that very same game – the Bosnian remained on the bench during City’s 4-0 rout of Blackburn just before the international break, that despite Sergio Aguero limping off early on – while top scorer Aguero is a major doubt with a groin problem.

You could argue fate has intervened, as Mancini’s striking dilemma paves the way for Mario Balotelli inflict further misery on the Villains. The temperamental Italian netted a hat-trick in last season’s corresponding fixture and looks a certain starter on Saturday, but on merit. Balotelli was on target in back-to-back fixtures before the international, opening the scoring at home to Everton before prodding home his side’s second in the drubbing of Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Aston Villa

League Position: 7th

League Form: DDDDW

Despite their side being one of only four teams still to taste defeat in the league this season, Villa fans aren’t entirely thrilled with Alex McLeish’s early reign as manager. Harsh being an understatement. While the football hasn’t been spectacular, there are only six teams who have registered more points (11), seven who have scored more goals (9) while only one – Newcastle – have conceded fewer times (5); while it is fixtures just like this, the daunting ones most managers dread, where McLeish has so often come into his own.

Despite the odd heavy defeat, McLeish generally had a decent record while at Birmingham against the top five or six teams considering his team were invariably massive underdogs, which should go some way to countering Villa’s atrocious record away to Man City in recent times: the Villains have lost on each of their last four visits, five if you include their 3-0 loss in the FA Cup last season, and were spanked 4-0 on their last league visit.

Last season, McLeish inspired Birmingham to hugely impressive results at home to Liverpool (1-1), Man Utd (1-1) and Tottenham (1-1), not to mention masterminding the club’s first ever defeat of Chelsea in the Premier League (1-0). Moreover, his Blues also HELD CITY to a 0-0 draw in Manchester, and not many managers achieved that feat last season.

No doubt ‘Big Eck’ will be targeting a similar result on Saturday, which may not be beyond the realms of possibility when you have a goalkeeper in inspired form as Shay Given. The former Manchester City shot-stopper will be doubly determined to deny his former employers maximum points on Saturday, as it was they who deemed him surplus to requirements in the summer. Coupled with the team’s resilience and determination to protect their ten-game unbeaten league run (W4 D6 L0) – seven this season and three from the previous campaign – and a McLeish inspired outfit may yet again prove to be a thorn in City’s side.

Match Pointers

- Manchester City have won the previous four league meetings between the two sides in Manchester, scoring ten goals.

- City scored seven without reply in their two meetings in Manchester last season, winning 4-0 at Eastlands in the league and 3-0 in the fifth round of the FA Cup – four of those goals were scored by Mario Balotelli.

- The Citizens are also unbeaten in 22 competitive home games, since losing 2-1 to Everton in the league last December, and have won their last eight in succession; seven of those were without conceding a single goal.

- Aston Villa are unbeaten in the Premier League this season (W2 D5 L0) and have lost just one of their previous seven away matches (W2 D4 L1).

- Villa have drawn their previous three away Premier League, matches but there hasn’t been a draw in this fixture since 1994.

Betting

The statistics do stack up and make for rather ominous reading, and it comes as no surprise that bookmakers have priced Manchester City as firm, odds-on favourites. Villa, though, have been very resilient under Alex McLeish and are one of four teams still unbeaten in the league. With Shay Given in sublime form between the sticks, Gabriel Agbonlahor in scintillating form and striker Darren Bent back amongst the goals, the striker who twice netted winning goals against Man City last season for Sunderland and Aston Villa – though both were at home, it would be foolish to rule the visitors out entirely.

It is a big ask; however, City have looked vulnerable at times this season, particularly at home to Everton. It took them the best part of an hour to finally break the Toffees’ spirited resolve. I suspect Alex McLeish will adopt a similar approach to that of David Moyes, who basically parked the bus at the Etihad Stadium. The decisive difference for me being Villa have far more quality going forward. We still haven’t seen the best from Charles N’Zogbia but he’s a handful nonetheless, Gabriel Agbonlahor has been superb of late while Darren Bent has been knock to pop up and score pivotal goals not only against Man City but against many of the league’s big hitters.

Decent value in an upset here, though by upset I mean Villa holding out for a share of the spoils. Still a big ask.

Match Outcome: Draw @ 4/1 Bet365

Value Bet: Gabriel Agbonlahor to Score @ 4/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Manchester City – 4/11 Ladbrokes

Draw – 4/1 Bet365

Aston Villa – 19/2 BetFred

Everton V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 September 2011 (15:00 GMT)

Venue: Goodison Park

Preview

With everything that transpired on transfer deadline day involving Everton, there is a danger of Aston Villa being the forgotten team at Goodison Park this weekend. The Villains have made an encouraging start to the new campaign with five points from their first three games, in an unbeaten sequence of course, while their record against the Toffees – especially at Goodison in recent times, is imperious. Yet all eyes will be on the home side as David Moyes & Co begin life without a certain Spaniard.

The Toffees almost went the entire summer without doing any business before a hectic final day ensued. Spanish play-maker Mikel Arteta was sold to Arsenal for a fee believed to be in the region of ten-million, with pundits describing it as a dark day in the club’s recent history. Considering David Moyes managed to use some of the funds to bring in Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi on season-long loans, not to mention offload deadwood in the form of Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu, in my opinion it could be the dawn of a bright new era.

As influential as Arteta has been over the years for Everton, his recent career on Merseyside has been curtailed by injuries, while he hasn’t been the outstanding architect in midfield that he once was for quite some time now. So adjusting to life without the Spaniard shouldn’t be difficult. What will test their resolve is this weekend’s home encounter with a Villa side who have been quick out of the blocks – registering five points from a possible nine in a three-game unbeaten sequence in the league – and who have cause for optimism ahead of their milestone twentieth visit to Goodison Park in the Premier League.

Over five whole years have passed since Aston Villa were last beaten by Everton in the Premier League, during which the Birmingham-based outfit have won four of the last ten meetings – the remaining six ending in draws – with their last taste of defeat coming in March of 2006, which was incidentally when they last failed to pick up any points in this fixture: Villa have won two and lost none of their five most recent visits to Goodison Park.

A dent in the visitors’ claims could be Everton’s new-found confidence having recently made a return to winning ways with a 1-0 win away at Blackburn just before the international break. However, Moyes’ team were anything but convincing, conceding two penalties in a sloppy but defiant performance, yet somehow managing to ground out an undeserved 1-0 victory courtesy of Mikel Arteta’s stoppage time spot-kick. Villa, meanwhile, could only muster a 0-0 draw with Midlands rivals Wolves at Villa Park, halting their momentum ever so slightly.

Still, if Alex McLeish can get Darren Bent fit in time – the England international who scored twice in this fixture for Villa last season but is currently struggling with a groin injury that forced him to withdraw his services for his country during the week – then Villa, with their promising start and proven record at Goodison, could be of value to make it two home defeats on the spin for the Toffees at home, who were humbled by newly promoted QPR in their belated first game of the season last month.

However, it is worth pointing out that Everton have only lost one of their previous twelve at home in the league (W7 D4 L1) while Villa took maximum points from just four of their nineteen away league games last term. Conundrum!

Match Pointers

Met 38 times in Premier League – Villa triumphant in 18 with Everton winning just 7.

Everton won only six of nineteen at home to Villa, who have reigned supreme at Goodison in PL on as many occasions.

Villa haven’t lost a league fixture to Everton for over five-years, not since March 2006, winning four and losing none of previous ten meetings.

Darren Bent scored twice in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park last season.

The Toffees have won seven and lost just one of last twelve at home in league.

Villa, meanwhile, are without defeat in six in Premier League (W3 D3), but have won only three times away from home in last sixteen.

Tim Cahill has netted six times for Everton against Villa in PL.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has five goals in eleven appearances against Everton in PL.

Betting Verdict

Aston Villa felt they should have won last season’s encounter at Goodison, and would have had Leighton Baines not converted from the spot with seven minutes of the game remaining. Darren Bent scored twice in that game and Saturday’s outcome could hinge on whether the England striker recovers in time from a niggling groin injury that kept him out of his country’s recent Euro 2012 qualifiers with Bulgaria and Wales.

I’ve not been impressed with Everton up till this point. Against QPR they were toothless, as they were last season and the season before that, while no one really knows quite how David Moyes’ men escaped Ewood Park with all three points – Blackburn having missed two penalties before Mikel Arteta slotted home the winner from the same 12-yards in stoppage-time. Unless they’ve improved ten-fold since the international break, I’m struggling to find a case for them.

Villa, on the other hand, have been indifferent. Resilient away at Fulham (0-0) on the opening weekend, a handful at home to Blackburn (3-1) the following weekend, but really disappointing in their Midlands Derby with Wolves (0-0) at Villa Park. Can they really be trusted? Can either? I’m not so sure. Another draw for me!

Royston Drenthe could be the standout value to score on his Everton début, with a vacancy now in the midfield courtesy of Arteta’s sudden departure. The 24-year-old has blistering pace and may take the Villa defence by surprise.

Match Prediction: Draw – 23/10 SkyBet

Value Bet: Royston Drenthe to Score – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Everton – 11/10 Boylesports

Draw – 23/10 SkyBet

Aston Villa – 3/1 VictorChandler

FULHAM V ASTON VILLA

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 13th August 2011; 15:00 BST
Venue: Craven Cottage

PREVIEW

Draw backers will be champing at the bit ahead of this particular fixture as Fulham play host to Aston Villa in a match-up which down the years has produced an unhealthy amount of honours-even contests. Yet bookmakers have the home side down as firm favourites to begin the new season with a bang – and the reasons behind this are more obvious than you think.

Bookies have gone for substance over history and, in this instance, overwhelming statistical figures, which is just as well I suppose, as had they done otherwise the odds on what would appear a predictable draw, after studying various bits of background information, would be ludicrous. Eight of the pair’s previous thirteen encounters in the Premier League have finished in draws; all the spoils in both their league meetings at Craven Cottage and Villa Park last season were shared, while only the slimmest of margins separated the duo in the final standings as Fulham finished a solitary point ahead of the Villains in 8th.

So what swung it for Fulham? Their European commitments, basically. The Cottagers qualified for this season’s Europa League courtesy of the Fair Play League last season, which meant they would have to contest three two-legged qualifiers before they could even compete in the group stage. As a result, Jol’s squad have been back in training a good two weeks longer than their league rivals, including Aston Villa, and should be sharper and fitter because of it.

Can Villa bridge the gap? Well, if Fulham are to make their superiority in the conditioning department count then surely it will occur in the latter stages of the game, which, funnily enough, was when Villa conceded more goals than any other top-flight team last season, shipping a third of their goals in the final 15 minutes of matches. New Villa manager Alex McLeish will need to ensure his team have their wits about them, then, right up until the final whistle if they’re to leave fortress Craven Cottage – where Fulham won six and lost just one of nine in the second half of last term – with a positive outcome.

Oh, and in case it wasn’t all that apparent, this fixtures sees both sets of managers making their managerial débuts in the Premier League with their new clubs, with Martin Jol filling the void left by Mark Hughes, who resigned at the end of last season, while the pressure is well and truly on Alex McLeish who was a highly controversial appointment at Villa Park due to his previous involvement with Second City rivals Birmingham City.

TEAM PREVIEWS

Fulham

If you did a poll asking Premier League managers which team they dreaded playing the most last season, I reckon a fair few would nominate Fulham. Under Mark Hughes, the Cottagers were extremely well-organised at the back; only four teams could better their tally of 15 clean sheets, he had every player singing from the same hymn sheet, working tirelessly for the cause, while up front they were surprisingly clinical, especially in the final few months of the term, which was when Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora played more prominent roles in the first-team following lengthy spells on the sidelines.

So new Fulham boss Martin Jol is very fortunate that he has inherited a very accomplished squad, one packed full of experienced professionals, most of which are current internationals. However, there are question marks hanging over the former Tottenham tactician, as his style of management is unlike Fulham’s two previous managers, of whom Jol will inevitably be compared throughout the season.

Both Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes were successful in leading the club to a top-ten finish, the former within a whisker of winning the UEFA Europa League, a competition Fulham will also be competing in this season provided they come through the qualifying rounds unscathed. Baring all this in mind nothing less than a third consecutive top-half finish in the Premier League and an exciting run in Europe will suffice from Fulham and Martin Jol in 2011-2012.

Summer signings are few and far between, however, Fulham do have a Champions League winner in their amidst and could hand former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise his club Premier League début on Saturday. Simon Davies will unfortunately sit this one out with a knee injury during his team’s Europa League encounter with NSI Runavik.

Aston Villa

The less said about Aston Villa’s 2010-2011 Premier League campaign the better, but it’s either that or an Alex McLeish fact file. Which is it to be, Villa fans? I can assure you, there are no winners.

Unquestionably the most controversial managerial appointment of the entire summer came in the Second City, where Alex McLeish switched his allegiances from Birmingham to Aston Villa. It was a move which enraged both sets of supporters; Villa fans even resorted to staging several protests right outside Villa Park, to no avail come the end.

To be honest, it was a bold move from Randy Lerner, owner of Aston Villa FC, as tensions were already running high following last season’s debacle. Only a late flurry of results spared the team’s blushes from the humilation of relegation, after a dismal six or seven months under Gerard Houllier, who made some rather bizarre decision throughout his tenure and whom the Villa faithful never really warmed to. At least in ‘Big Eck’ they posses a manager who won’t leave important players out of the big occasions, and who won’t announce his undying love for his former employers.

McLeish also takes over a talented squad, one which albeit has been weakened thanks in no small part to the big-money departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. Nevertheless, Villa are a club with potential – hasn’t that always been the case, though? Bringing in Charles N’Zogbia for £9.5M looks a stunning piece of business for a player who regularly chipped in with his fair share of goals and plenty of assist during his time at Wigan. In Darren Bent McLeish has one of the Premiership’s most ruthless strikers. And in Shay Given a reliable shot-stopper who is a more than worthy replacement for Brad Friedel, who ditched Villa for Spurs.

So it really should be onwards and upwards from here you feel for Villa under their new regime, and I quietly fancy them to surprise a few on the opening day at a ground where their hosts were imperious last season – and were Villa have won only once in their last seven visits.

 

TEAM NEWS

Available on Friday.

BETTING

A Fulham side who should have already found their rhythm and fitness are the bookmakers’ idea of a likely winner at Craven Cottage this weekend, with Martin Jol’s side as short as 6/5 with Bet365, PaddyPower and WilliamHill.

However, there is a lot to like about the odds on yet another stalemate between these two sides. Although, having said that, just one of the last four Craven Cottage encounters have actually ended all-square. Either way, there isn’t a great deal to choose between them on paper and so 12/5 on the draw will be someone’s idea of tremendous value.

An away win for the travelling Villains is a best-priced 11/4 with Coral.

Match Odds:

Fulham – 6/5 (2.20) Bet365
Draw – 12/5 (3.40) SkyBet
Aston Villa – 11/4 (3.75) Coral

My Prediction: Aston Villa to Win @ 11/4 (3.75) (Coral)
Value Bet: Aston Villa to be winning at Half-Time @ 17/5 (4.40) (bWin)

I’m taken with Aston Villa’s chances. Yes, Fulham should have the edge in the stamina stakes and what not, but going forward I’d rather having my money on an exciting Villa attack containing the pace and trickery or N’Zogbia and Albrighton out wide, which will be complimented by the predatory instincts of England’s Darren Bent in the middle. And that defence which leaked too many last season has not only been shored up by the arrival of Shay Given in goal but has also had some sense knocked into it by Alex McLeish, the manager who turned Birmingham’s defence into Fort Knox while under his stewardship.

As for my value bet, Villa have gone in at half-time with the advantage in each of their last four clashes with Fulham.