Can United Justify Favouritism At Home To Villa?

Manchester United could jump into second place should they beat Aston Villa tomorrow and other results go their way. Such an outcome seems likely for Louis van Gaal`s fourth placed side with Arsenal facing a tough fixture against Liverpool in the early kick-off and Manchester City not playing until Sunday. Failure to win would potentially spell the end to their second place ambitions though it would not do much damage in terms of falling down the table. In this regard they are five points above Liverpool and would need the Anfield outfit to see off Arsenal to reduce this deficit to two points.

Aston Villa are still fighting for their Premier League survival down at the other end of the table. The 16th placed club are only two points above Burnley who occupy the last relegation position. Whilst beating United could see them usurp Hull in 15th, a defeat could leave them in them in the relegation quagmire come the end of the weekend. For this to happen Sunderland would have to beat Newcastle and Burnley would have to record a win over Tottenham. Both of these matches take place on Sunday.

The two sides have met once already this season, this being the reverse fixture back at Villa Park. In what was a surprise result, Villa, under their former manager Paul Lambert, managed to hold United to a 1-1 draw.

Indeed it was the hosts who took the lead just prior to the 20 minute mark, Christian Benteke hitting the ball past David de Gea. This scoreline remained until just under 10 minutes after the restart when Radamel Falcao levelled up for the top four hopefuls.

A massive 10/1 with bet365 is the price should you think that the game will end 1-1 once again whilst Betvictor`s 28/1 says that the Claret and Blue side will be winning at half time with the full time result being level. Whilst 25/19 (888sport, unibet) is the price on both teams scoring, Benteke can be backed at 12/1 (Stan James) to provide the opener with Falcao a 13/10 (bet365, Bwin) chance to hit the back of the net at any time.

Despite their failure to see off Villa in their previous encounter, it is tomorrow`s hosts who are the favourites to earn themselves the maximum of three points. The best price of 1/3 is readily available at most betting establishments. Supporters of the underdog might be interested in backing the West Midlands club at 11/1 (betfair, Betvictor, boylesports, ladbrokes) with another draw on offer at 19/4 (bet365, boylesports).

United`s strong favouritism has something to do with the fact that the club have only lost once in their last five Premier League games. This was a 2-1 loss away at Swansea. At home their record is equally as good with a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton being their only failure to win in their last six top tier games at Old Trafford. The last two of these ties were won by a number of goals to nil and van Gaal`s side can be backed at evens (Coral, Skybet) to earn themselves the victory without conceding.

Tim Sherwood`s Villa have won two of their last five Premier League games, a 4-0 triumph away at Sunderland perhaps the highlight of not just their recent form but of their season. Up until that point, Villa had failed to score in all of their last five Premier League matches and the former Tottenham boss will be keen to keep their efforts in front of goal going. Gabby Agbonlahor grabbed a brace against the Black Cats and can be picked up at 80/1 with paddy Power to score at least two goals again.

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03/04/2015     © Frixo 2024