Villa

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)

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

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

Aston Villa V Norwich City

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 5 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

With a quarter of the season gone, you may have got handsome odds on Norwich sitting above Aston Villa, perennial qualifiers for Europe just a few seasons ago, in the Premier League. So that in itself is indicative of how well they’ve began their first season back in the top flight for six years. But, despite resting seven points above the relegation zone in eighth, the Canaries cannot afford to rest on their laurels, as so many newly promoted teams have done in the past, and manager Paul Lambert will demand another committed performance from his lads at Villa Park this weekend, where they were last victorious back in 1992.

The hosts at Villa Park won’t make it easy for Norwich, however. Whereas Norwich are looking to push on and build on a promising start, Villa haven’t really established any sort of momentum after winning just two of their first ten games, yet they do sit prominently in 9th, just one behind their weekend rivals. Europe is the goal for them this year, that despite showing the Europa League next to no respect in their recent forages into Europe’s second tier competition, but already they find themselves six-points adrift of the top-six and so a fourth successive match without a win could enlarge that gap further, with the Villains having drawn one and lost two of their last three Premier League fixtures.

An important match then, as they all are these days, though more so for the home side. Aston Villa come into the game on the back of last week’s disappointing 2-2 draw away at Sunderland; however, what preceded that was a disastrous showing at home to locals West Brom in which they lost 2-1, their first ever defeat in the Premier League at home to the Baggies. Norwich, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their last two results; last week they came from two goals down to draw 3-3 at home to Blackburn while the week before, away at Liverpool, they grounded out a hard-fought point at Anfield with a 1-1 draw. Both were fortuitous results, mind, not that Norwich care.

Aston Villa

League Position: 9th

League Form: DWLLD

The situation at Aston Villa hasn’t changed in recent weeks. If anything, the fractious relationship between Alex McLeish and supporters has got worse. No win in three has only supplied disenchanted fans with ammunition, and there will be a fair few at Villa Park on Saturday chomping at the bit to vent some of their frustration at the manager as soon as matters on the pitch start going awry. Who’d be a manager, ey? Who’s be Aston Villa’s manager more like.

I do feel for McLeish in a way, although I also have empathy for the fans, too. Their team’s position in the league flatters them to a large extent, as while Villa do sit a respectable ninth in the table having lost just two of their first ten matches, they’ve only won twice. The simple fact Villa don’t play an all that attractive brand of football under McLeish makes it incredibly difficult for the supporters to suppress their frustration and anguish at what they are seeing. Am I right in thinking only Stoke, the aerial specialists of the league, have strung fewer passes together?

Even more alarming than dismal results and a lack of entertaining football is the form of some of Villa’s key men, who, under Alex McLeish, have gone into hiding. Darren Bent, Villa’s top scorer last season despite not joining the club until the January transfer window, has only mustered three goals this season, while he’s been passing up gilt-edged opportunities all season he long. Charles N’Zogbia is the same, while I’m shocked to see Marc Albrighton begin so many matches on the bench, as last season the young starlet looked a genuine talent.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where Villa are going wrong and whether the underlining problem really is the manager, but there’s no denying Villa have been extremely disappointing so far this season. The good news, however, is the season is just ten games old while the fact Alex McLeish can now choose from virtually a fully fit group of players, which does include the formerly crocked Jermaine Jenas, the one-time England international who is on loan from Tottenham for the remainder of the season, should ehance their claims for a first win since 1 October.

Norwich City

League Position: 8th

League Form: WLWDD

Unlike their opposition, Norwich can do no wrong this season. They’re seven points above the relegation zone in eighth, are picking up points regularly, have given a good account of themselves in all ten games thus far, including the daunting encounters against the league’s elite sides, while their intensity and application has been spot right from day one. The problem is, we’ve seen this all before.

It’s probably harsh to stereotype the Canaries and claim they could be another Hull, Burnley or even a Blackpool, teams who in recent campaigns have gone up to the Premier League with a reputation for playing an attacking brand of football and maintained their forward-thinking principles. Norwich deserve their acclaim, they’ve been this season’s version of ‘fresh air’, as pundits would say. But sustaining it is another thing, so it’s vitally important they do get ahead of themselves and continue to plug away.

For one reason or another, I sense Paul Lambert won’t allow his team to become complacent. I could be wrong, and I am a lot these days, but the Norwich chief has kept everyone on their toes without actually treading on any, if you get what I mean. He hasn’t allowed any player to rest on their laurels, with Lambert certainly not shying in the chopping and changing department, and so far it has paid dividends.

Whether it’s the excitement of facing United at Old Trafford or hosting Swansea at Carrow Road, Norwich have maintained a high level of intensity to their play in every game, and that’s what I like most about them. It’s reassuring to know a team will give their fans and the punters value for their money. So, with the Canaries at around 3/1 to win at Villa Park this weekend, I suspect there may be several takers.

Match Pointers

- First meeting between these two sides since 2004/05 Premier League; Villa won 3-0 at home but drew 0-0 at Norwich.

- In all, they’ve met on eight occasions in the Premier League era, with both teams having won two apiece while there have been four draws.

- Aston Villa (12th, W2 D6 L2) are without a win in three league matches, conceding eight goals in this run.

- Moreover, Villa’s three-game run without a win does include their first home league reverse in nine, which came against local rivals West Brom (1-2).

- Three of Gabriel Agbonlahor’s four league goals this season were scored at Villa Park, as were all three of Darren Bent’s.

- Norwich (8th, W3 D4 L3) are unbeaten in their last three matches, losing just once in their last six, a run which includes an impressive 1-1 draw away to Liverpool in their most recent away encounter.

Betting

I’ve been putting blind faith in Aston Villa all season, and they’ve yet to come good for me. Hopefully, that will change on Saturday when I opt against value, as I do believe Norwich are worth a shot at the odds considering they give 100% in every game. As courageous as Norwich are, and for all their attacking intent, I do worry for them when they do come up against a side who can actually defend. Villa can, believe it or not, despite McLeish’s men shipping eight goals in their last three matches.

When on song, Villa’s back-four can seem impregnable, while Shay Given between the sticks has been outstanding throughout. But that’s only half of the Villa Package. We still need the forwards to show up, and they haven’t done that nearly enough this season.

Like I said, this tip does involve a leap of faith, as Villa have been this season’s biggest let-downs, in my opinion, but I’m banking on the likes of Charles N’Zogbia, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent coming good for a change – as should the aforementioned do what is expected of them, Villa will have far too much quality going forward for Norwich’s defence to handle. Remember, Norwich have yet to keep a clean sheet this season!

Match Outcome: Aston Villa to WIN – 5/6 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Aston Villa/Aston Villa (HT/FT Betting) – 2/1 888Sport

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 5/6 WilliamHill

Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Norwich City – 15/4 VictorChandler

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

Aston Villa V Wigan Athletic

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 1st October 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

They have their own agendas do Aston Villa and Wigan. The former have made a decent start to the season – they are one of only four teams still to lose – but have only won once so far. Wigan, well their situation is the same as always; gathering enough points to stay afloat, and after registering a meagre five points from their first six games, are desperate for some spoils this weekend.

Rather surprisingly, however, it is Wigan who go into the weekend’s encounter feeling as though they have the beating of their opponents: the Latics have never lost a Premier League match at Villa Park, winning on three of their visits to a ground where nowadays the locals are just as hostile towards their own team as the opposition.

Aston Villa

League Position: 8th

League Form: WDDDD

Those murmurs of discontent around Villa Park when the club announced former Birmingham manager Alex McLeish would switch Second City allegiances and become Aston Villa’s latest tactician haven’t taken long to transform into outrage – and it could soon lead to mass exodus. Fans aren’t at all happy with the current brand of football Big Eck has them playing, nor the hugely negative 4-5-1 formation he deploys, and the Holte End faithful are not deceived by the deceptive unbeaten start to the season the Villains have made.

Six games unbeaten – one win and five draws – has done very little, if anything to quash the privative views of Villa’s fans whom believe their team should be playing a free-flowing, exciting brand of football in the Premier League – a league they barely managed to remain last season. Couple the latter fact with the lucrative departures of two massively influential creative outlets – Stewart Downing to Liverpool and Ashley Young to Manchester United – and you can understand Alex McLeish reservations about playing in a more expansive style.

The one positive about Villa under McLeish is they are incredibly difficult to beat. Their unbeaten start to the campaign is proof of this. However, five draws from six, with just seven goals scored, is ammunition for the critics. And they do have a point, to a degree. The sight of Charles N’Zogbia and Darren Bent struggling for form is worrying, alarming really when you consider they are two of a select few proven match-winners at McLeish’s disposal. So clearly something is up.

The atmosphere at Villa isn’t healthy, with fans unwilling to accept McLeish as manager. The moment something goes wrong, any thing, they are immediately on his case and it isn’t doing the confidence of the team any good. So I do worry for Villa. And it could get worse before long, as next up is Wigan at Villa Park. Anything less than three-points would be greeted by a chorus of boos at the end of the game, even though this is a fixture the Villains have a dismal record in – they’ve never beaten the Latics at home in the Premier League, losing three of their five meetings.

If as McLeish wasn’t already handicapped, the Scot may have to do without his star striker once again as Darren Bent struggles to shrug off his groin problem. Emile Heskey is also out injured but Jermaine Jenas, on loan from Tottenham, could make his first appearance for the club provided he shrugs off a groin problem.

Wigan Athletic

League Position: 15th

League Form: DWLLL

You fear the writing is on the wall for Wigan, who have opened their accounts for the season in typically dismal fashion. Just one win in six leaves them hovering precariously above the relegation places while Saturday’s 2-1 home reverse to Tottenham was their third on the spin in the league, their fourth in all competitions, and you feel it is only a matter of time before the Latics reacquaint themselves with the bottom-three – where they spent the majority of last season.

Tasked with putting the brakes on Wigan’s current plight, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez controversially turned down the opportunity to manage Saturday’s opponents Villa during the summer so he could stay on at the DW. In the opinion of everyone, he was mad. The Spaniard could have took his first meaningful steps towards managing a big club I personally feel he is destined for, yet decided to remain at the helm of a club with very little funds managing a threadbare squad with a quality deficiency. Already, after just two months into the new season, he may be regretting his bold move.

The Latics were handed a negotiable opening set of fixtures, including games against all the newly promoted sides, so there aren’t many crumbs to be had from their woeful early-season form. A 2-0 victory at home to QPR and a couple of draws with Norwich and Swansea – all recently promoted from the Championship – is ominous form, while their inability to compete at Man City and at home to Tottenham last week indicates another long old slog ahead.

However, Wigan do have a reputation for doing just enough; grounding out out a sufficient amount of points to survive, while they aren’t a team who tend to dwell on defeats for any great period of time. If anything a barren outing only invigorates them, so it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see them make a noteworthy appearance at Villa Park this weekend, interestingly where they have an exceptional record in the Premier League having won on three of their five visits, losing none.

Match Pointers

Aston Villa have entertained Wigan at Villa Park five times in the Premier League, failing to win any: W0 D2 L3.

All three of Wigan’s Premier League victories at Villa Park have been by a 2-0 scoreline.

Villa have drawn five of their first six league games, including two of their three at Villa Park.

Wigan have lost their last three league matches, by an aggregate of 8-2.

Betting Verdict

As eye-catching as Wigan’s record away to Aston Villa is, I can’t see past a home win. The Latics have been very average so far, failing to put any of the newly promoted sides to the sword in the first few weeks of the season, at a time when their opponents were still finding their feet. Convincing defeats to Everton, Man City and Tottenham won’t have helped their flagging confidence levels either.

A lack of entertainment at Villa Park has irked supporters more than anything else, but they could be treated to a few goals on Saturday. Wigan aren’t the most threatening of offensive sides anyway, but without Hugo Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia – two players who made them tick in the final third last season – they are destined to find goals hard to come by. The latter now plies his trade with Villa. What are the odds on a former fan favourite coming back to haunt the Latics?

It should be a rare comfortable win for Aston Villa, and another high-scoring defeat for Wigan.

Match Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN – 4/6 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Aston Villa 3-0 (Correct Score) – 14/1 Unibet

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 4/6 Ladbrokes

Draw – 3/1 WilliamHill

Wigan Athletic – 5/1 Bet365

Queens Park Rangers V Aston Villa

Date & kick-off: Sunday, 25th September 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)

Venue: Loftus Road

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

Having made equally encouraging starts to the new season, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers should provide quite a spectacle when the two sides go head-to-head at Loftus Road in the solitary Premiership match on Sunday.

Villa are unbeaten in the league in 2011/12, drawing four of fire, but their momentum building exercise took a serious hit during the week when they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Premiership rivals Bolton. Alex McLeish named a very strong team for that game as well, so to lose in the manner they did must have been demoralising for everyone involved.

To compound what has been a miserable week for the Villa manager, Big Eck has confirmed that star striker Darren Bent is ruled out of Sunday’s clash with a groin problem. Bent, who earlier in the week laid into Alex McLeish regarding his tactics, has struggled under the former Birmingham City manager, notching just one goal from Villa’s first five league games. Convenient, or are we just cynical?

Moreover, Emile Heskey hasn’t completed his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the month during a 2-2 draw with Everton leaving McLeish with Nathan Delfouneso as his only recognised striker for the visit to QPR, who haven’t conceded a goal in their last three hours of Premiership football.

There is at least some good new for McLeish. Jermaine Jenas, the midfielder who is on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season, has been given a good chance of making the squad having spent the entire season thus far on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Jenas’ emergence would bring about a welcome boost in creativity for the Villains, who have had to rely on Gabriel Agbonlahor – the versatile forward accounts for half of Villa’s goals – in the wake of the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing in the summer. Summer signing Charles N’Zogbia has been a massive disappointment so far, the former Wigan winger who signed in the summer for fee believed to be in the region of £10.5million.

There was no midweek action for Neil Warnock’s team, who were eliminated in only the second round last month. But that was before the Tony Fernandes revolution.

47-year-old Fernandes acquired the club just days before the transfer window closed, but the Malaysian businessman , believed to have a net worth of around £400million, didn’t waste any time unleashing his manager in the transfer market, to which his shrewd signings have all made positive contributions so far.

The arrivals of defenders Armand Traore, Luka Young and Anton Ferdinand have shored up a defence which has kept back-to-back clean sheets; midfielder Joey Barton adds a whole new dimension to their attack, an old-fashioned box-to-box player who is just as combative as he is creative.

Then there’s Shaun Wright-Phillips. A real box of tricks this lad. Cast aside by Roberto Mancini at man City, the 29-year-old no doubts feels he has a point to prove after spending much of the last two seasons either on the bench or in the reserves. He’s been QPR’s outstanding player so far, by a country mile too!

Rangers are a different team to the one which was spanked 4-0 on the opening weekend at home by Bolton, in every sense of the word. The new arrivals have added quality, experience but more importantly some camaraderie; QPR are now a team with all the necessary ingredients to survive in this division.

However, I wouldn’t be getting too carried away just yet if I was a QPR fan, despite thrashing Wolves 3-0 at Molineux last time out, as it will be extremely interesting to see how the team respond to a couple of defeats when they do eventually arrive, and they will in due course.

Match Pointers

These two clubs have met eight times in the Premier League era, but not since the 1995/1996 season.

In their eight Premiership meetings, the visiting team has never won.

QPR are without a home win in seven league and cup matches, failing to score in their two league games at Loftus Road this season.

Aston Villa are unbeaten in eight Premier League games (W3 D5), drawing their last three in succession.

Villa’s previous four away league wins were all by 2-1 scoreline.

Betting Verdict

The fact Aston Villa remain unbeaten after their first five league games dumbfounds me, as they’ve been extraordinarily average. Defensively they’ve looked sound, while signing Shay Given is already looking like a master-stroke, but everywhere else has left everyone, especially supporters, underwhelmed.

Charles N’Zogbia has been non-existent since signing from Wigan while Darren Bent has looked a little forlorn on numerous occasions, which is hugely worrying in itself. Gabriel Agbonlahor has been their one ray of light, the England forward having danced his way past many a full-back this season while his three goals, account for half his team’s league strikes, even has people talking of a possible call-up to the England squad for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.

It has been impossible not to be impressed with how QPR have began life with all their new faces, even if you are one of so many who despise Joey Barton. Previously they were no threat to defences,but that’s all changed now. Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips have transformed Rangers from an attacking point of view, while most encouraging of all has been the emergence of Adel Taarabt, who has come out of his shell since the club brought in quality reinforcements, helping to bring out the Moroccans quite apparent talent.

Like I said, I haven’t been particularly impressed with Alex McLeish and Villa so far, so the fact they’ll be shorn of unquestionably their most influential player, Darren Bent, leaves me with little choice but to stick with an improving QPR.

Match Prediction: Queens Park Rangers to win – 13/10 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Adel Taarabt to score – 13/5 Unibet

Match Odds

Queens Park Rangers – 13/10 PaddyPower

Draw – 23/10 SkyBet

Aston Villa – 12/5 VictorChandler

Aston Villa V Newcastle United

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 17th September 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Aston Villa’s record versus Newcastle in the Premier League is very ordinary to say the least: the Villains have triumphed in just eight of their thirty-eight meetings, but, crucially, they have prevailed in each of the previous four at Villa Park, without conceding a single goal in three of those, and on Sunday the objective will be to make it five wins on the spin against the Tyneside club.

February 2006 was the last time Newcastle were victorious at Villa Park in a league fixture, but Alan Pardew’s Magpies have made a hugely encouraging start to the season and the visitors will be fighting tooth and nail to keep their four-game unbeaten run in the league in tact – seven if you include their solid form in the closing stages of last season, where they went their final three matches undefeated.

Aston Villa

League Position: 8th

League Form: DDWD

It was a case of pleasing result but bitterly disappointed with the performance for Villa chief Alex McLeish as his team, despite playing the poorest I’ve seen of them this season, somehow weathered several storms at Goodison last week to record what could be a priceless draw away to Everton.

That was their third honours-even contest of the campaign, but fortunately they do have a win under their belts – a 3-1 victory over bottom of the table Blackburn at Villa Park a month ago – which culminates in a decent start for the Midlands club, who have taken six points from the twelve that were on offer. Villa now lye eighth in the table, two-points shy of those targeted European places.

Defensively Villa have been very sound, conceding just the three goals and keeping two clean sheets thus far. Already Shay Given is showing his worth. However, McLeish cannot be satisfied with the attacking aspects of his team. The usually prolific Darren Bent, who is as clinical and precise with as finished as they come, has been abnormally quiet, as has summer signing Charles N’Zogbia. Gabriel Agbonlahor has been the team’s biggest threat going forward, a player playing with so much confidence at the minute.

Having Emile Heskey out injured for several weeks with an achilles problem will only add to McLeish’ss frustration, although what it does do is open up an attacking vacany which Stephan Ireland and Marc Albrighton, who did look lively when introduced in the later stages last week and was a revelation at times for Villa last season, will be keen to make their own if given the chance.

We definitely need to some more purpose from Villa going forward if they’re to ground out wins in difficult games, much like this one if truth be told. Newcastle have been extremely solid and resolute at the back this season, keeping their third clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at QPR on Monday, so someone in a Villa shirt will need to raise their game and show some craft and imagination in the final third if we’re to see yet another home victory in this fixture.

Team News – Jermaine Jenas and Emile Heskey have been ruled out for a fortnight with thigh and hamstring injuries respectively, so expect Fabian Delph to continue to partner Stylian Petrov in the centre of midfield. Marc Albrighton and Stephen Ireland could come into contention as McLeish looks to shuffle his forward pack a little.

Newcastle

League Position: 4th

League Form: DWWD

Similar to his opposite number, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was content with Monday’s result away to QPR – a hard-fought but slightly fortuitous 0-0 draw – but felt there was definitely room for improvement with the performance side of things, claiming his team deserved no more than a draw. His evaluation was spot on, as Newcastle had to produce a battling display whilst riding their luck on occasions just to ground out a point.

As disappointing as Newcastle clearly were at Loftus Road, a match they created very little in and had Jay Bothroyd’s hapless finishing to thank for the goalless scoreline, the final result did at least extend their unbeaten start to the season to four games, five games in all competition if you include their Carling Cup win over Scunthorpe last month, while it’s now seven without defeat in the Premier League stretching back to May.

So there are some solid foundations for which Alan Pardew can build from, in particular this robust, resolute defence of his. The clean sheet earned at QPR earlier in the week was Newcastle’s third of the season, with Fulham the only side so far to have scored past Dutch shot-stopper Tim Krul, who has been superb this season between the sticks. It’s a different story altogether up the other end of the pitch, with the Magpies still finding goals worryingly hard to come by. Creating meaningful opportunities isn’t their speciality either.

Alan Pardew knows full well his side aren’t doing enough in the final third, but resolving what is a massive issue isn’t easy with an underwhelming list of forwards at his disposal. Jonas Gutierrez and Gabriel Obertan have pace in abundance but have been relatively ineffective out on the wings. Strikers Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi simply aren’t threatening enough in front of goal, Demba Ba has his moments but can never sustain it, while Leon Best is currently their first-choice striker, which speaks volumes. Pardew doesn’t have anyone he can bring in either to freshen things up a little.

Team News – Davide Santon picked up a knee injury during training and will miss the trip to Villa Park, with the Italian still to make his bow for Newcastle since joining on deadline day from Inter Milan. Ryan Taylor, who was given a torrid time by Shaun Wright-Phillips on Monday and could encounter similar problems up against Charles N’Zogbia, will retain his place at left-back. Hatem Ben Afra is closing in on a return to the first-team fold and could make the bench. Demba Ba could start up front alongside Leon Best, after Shola Ameobi produced a disappointing display upon his return from injury at Loftus Road.

Match Pointers

These two clubs have met on 34 occasions in the Premier League – Aston Villa victorious in 8 with Newcastle triumphing in 17.

Aston Villa have won six of the pair’s seventeen PL encounters at Villa Park, including each of the previous four, three of which without conceding a goal.

Newcastle’s last Premiership win at Villa Park was in February 2006 (1-2), a match Shola Ameobi opened the scoring in.

Both sides remain unbeaten after four league games – Aston Villa: W1 D3, Newcastle: W2 D2.

The Villains are without defeat in their last six Premier League home games (W3 D3), a run that includes a 1-0 victory over Newcastle back in April.

Villa, though, have scored one goal or fewer in six of their last seven at home – that one anomaly coming against a Blackburn side who currently prop up the table last month.

The Magpies have won only one of their last seven away fixtures in PL (W1 D3 L3), failing to even score in four of those.

No current Newcastle player has scored in any of Newcastle’s last eight league meetings with Aston Villa.

Betting Verdict

I just cannot help but have reservations when it comes to a back of Newcastle. While they are still unbeaten, most of the plaudits for it goes to the defence and their outstanding goalkeeper, Tim Krul, who if he continues in the same vein will begin to attract plenty of interest from bigger clubs across Europe. No doubt that’s the plan, with Newcastle rapidly becoming a ‘selling’ club under owner Mike Ashley.

There is every chance of two well-organised, compact defences coming out on top. Between them they have kept five clean sheets this season. However, I do feel Villa are good for at least a goal at home, and that will probably be enough to see off a toothless Newcastle. So long as Darren Bent is presented with a couple of openings, I see Villa as tremendous value at around Evens.

Match Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN – EVENS Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Darren Bent First Goalscorer – 17/4 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Aston Villa – EVENS Ladbrokes

Draw – 5/2 PaddyPower

Newcastle – 7/2 Bodog

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.

Arsenal

Manager: Arsene Wenger
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Star Man: Robin Van Persie
2010-2011 Position: 4th

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfers)

Arrivals – Carl Jenkinson, Gervinho

Departures – Denilson (Loan), Gael Clichy (Man City), Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Jens Lehmann (retired)

Overview: There is discontent within the Arsenal supporter ranks following yet another pre-season of high-drama and very few arrivals, as preparations ahead of the new campaign have once again been curtailed by this on-going – and frankly now boring – transfer saga involving Cesc Fabregas and long-time admirers Barcelona. Unfortunately for Arsenal, there is more chance of that dealing being finalised before the end of the transfer window than not.

But even more detrimental to the club’s chances of ending their six-year wait for silverware was hearing of Samir Nasri’s attempts to try and engineer a move away from the Emirates over the summer, with both Manchester clubs monitoring the French midfielder’s situation. Wenger, though, is determined to keep Nasri at the club, whatever the cost it would seem, even if it means losing the talented midfielder on a free transfer next summer – but even if he does stay put, surely Nasri’s commitment to the cause will now have to be questioned?

In terms of incoming transfers, Gervinho has joined from French champions Lille and does look an exciting prospect. Carl Jenkinson has also joined the Gunners from Charlton Athletic. But you feel more signings are needed if Arsenal are to better their last season’s efforts, when they could only finish fourth behind Chelsea, Man City and champions Man Utd, whom they were twelve-points adrift of.

Heck, could their top-four status be under threat? Both Liverpool and Man City have strengthened considerably over the summer, while I’m sure their North London rivals will also be gunning for Wenger’s men.

ARSENAL TO BE CROWNED PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 11/1 BETFRED

Aston Villa

Manager: Alex McLeish
Stadium: Villa Park
Star Man: Darren Bent
2010-2011 Position: 9th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Shay Given (Man City), Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan)

Departures – John Carew, Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Brad Friedel (Tottenham), Robert Pires, Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton), Ashley Young (Man Utd)

Overview: Aston Villa was a club seemingly on the up back in January, that despite their involvement in a relegation dogfight, as Darren Bent’s arrival from Sunderland appeared to have signalled the club’s second coming. However, just a few months on and two of their stand-out performers from last season, wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, both secured upward moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Villa did of course profit handsomely from the sales of both Englishmen (Around £40M in total), and they appear to have bought shrewdly in the form of former Wigan wide-man Charles N’Zogbia for just £9.5M, who could be a useful servant to the usually prolific Darren Bent, as well as acquiring Shay Given from Man City, with the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper replacing Brad Friedel who departed for Tottenham in the summer.

Among those to have also left the Midlands since the end of last season are midfielders Nigel Reo-Coker and Robert Pires, as well as ftriker John Carew – a few of their hefty earners, with all three having been released by the club.

Finally, fans were not impressed – incensed being the appropriate word – when club owner, Randy Lerner, announced that former Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish – who resigned from the St Andrews post at the end of last season after failing to keep the Blues in the top-flight – would be Gerard Houllier’s long-term successor. To say the pressure is on ‘Big Eck’ right from the off would be a massive understatement, with the supporters now demanding a return to European contention.

DARREN BENT TOP GOALSCORER: 14/1 PADDYPOWER

Blackburn Rovers

Manager: Steve Kean
Stadium: Ewood Park
Star Man: Paul Robinson (GK)
2010-2011 Position: 15th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Myles Anderson, David Goodwillie

Departures – Benjani, Frank Fielding, Phil Jones (Man Utd)

Overview: When Blackburn’s relatively new owners completed their purchase of Blackburn Rovers FC some six months ago, they announced that Champions League football was their primary aim shortly before handing Sam Allardyce his marching orders in a move which enraged the LMA and most neutrals but was surprisingly welcomed with open arms by a large portion of Rovers’ supporters.

A new brand of attractive football was supposedly on the horizon, and Venky’s quick-fire solution was to promote Steve Kean to manager. A bizarre move considering funds aren’t in short supply, according to the owners anyway, yet they opt for a man with absolutely no managerial experience at this level and whom will cost them pittance to keep on.

Furthermore, the club are still a million miles off even competing for a top-four finish, while they haven’t even come good on their promise to bring a so-called ‘marquee signing’ to the club despite several humbling attempts to bring the likes of David Beckham and Luis Fabiano to Lancashire.

Throw in a quiet summer, that floundered when Phil Jones was sold to Manchester United but turned a little brighter when Rovers swooped for Dundee’s David Goodwillie, and you’re struggling to envisage anything other than a typically ordinary season at Ewood Park, which at best will involve a mid-table finish and at worst, relegation. The latter certainly isn’t out of the question.

BLACKBURN TOP-TEN FINISH: 4/1 BET365

Bolton Wanderers

Manager: Owen Coyle
Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Star Man: Kevin Davies
2010-2011 Position: 14th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Chris Eagles, Tyrone Mears, Darren Pratley (Swansea), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa),

Departures – Ali Al Habsi (Wigan), Joey O’Brien, Matthew Taylor,

Overview: The standard has been raised at Bolton Wanderers thanks in no small part to manager Owen Coyle, with the 45-year-old performing minor miracles during his first full season in charge.

Upon accepting the position as manager back in January 2010, Coyle inherited a team that was battling to stay in the division, who were positioned down near the basement of the league. However, not only did he successfully lead the Trotters to safety (2009-2010), he would later write his own chapter in Bolton folklore, leading an average-looking side to the semi-finals of the 2010-2011 FA Cup. The team were also European contenders for much of the league season, but unfortunately their form declined dramatically in the final few months – a ominous sign perhaps that the squad urgently needed reinforcements?

So what next for Coyle and Bolton? Well, I’m sure the manager will say survival is of the utmost importance, which does kind of go without saying, but after flirting with the Europa League spots for so long last season, could the team possibly push on and take the club to that next level?

Summer signings have been few and far between though, certainly exciting ones. Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles have joined from Burnley, Coyle’s former club, while Nigel Reo-Coker could prove a decent capture should the former Villa midfielder recapture his form of old that earned him an England call-up. And in the other direction went midfielder Matty Taylor and striker Johan Elmander.

BOLTON TOP-TEN FINISH: 9/4 BET365