Aston Villa v West Brom: Latest Betting Odds & Tips

Best Bookies, Betting, Fixed Odds, Football, Tipsters, UEFA Cup | selectabet | January 9, 2009 at 9:45 pm

Aston Villa v West Brom – Live on Sky Sports 1.

The weekend’s Premier League fixtures kick off at lunchtime with this Midlands derby at Villa Park. And the two teams fortunes couldn’t be more contrasting. The Baggies find themselves at the foot of the table and if you believe the bookies that’s where they’re going to be until May. Villa on the other hand are giving the big four a run for their money and look a good bet to gatecrash the top four positions and claim a Champions League place.

Tony Mowbray’s side are a massive 9/1 (Blue Sq) to win but it’s hard to disagree with those odds and make a case for the away win. They’ve only won once away from home and that was against fellow strugglers Middlesbrough. So it’s hard to see them claiming the 3 points at Villa Park, even if it is a derby.

Instead I’d be backing Martin O’Neill’s men to move into 3rd place – even if it is for just 24 hours – at the best price of 4/9 (Betfred, Boylesports, Coral, Paddy Power, SkyBet). They’re unbeaten domestically in 9 games and should have too much in their locker for West Brom.

For more value though it might be worth looking at the goalscorer markets. Gabby Agbonlahor scored in Villa’s win at The Hawthorns in September and at 6/5 (Centrebet, Coral) looks most likely to grab a goal. I’ve also been impressed by Steve Sidwell’s performances lately and he could be worth a small investment at 10/3 (William Hill) to score in the 90 minutes.

Let me know your tips for the big game.