Premier League betting – Blackpool vs Liverpool

Blackpool vs Liverpool betting preview

Blackpool: League Position: 13th, League Form: DWWLL

The rollercoaster continues for Blackpool, but whereas their opponents Liverpool feel sick from their ride so far, The Tangerines are having the time of their lives.

Two defeats in their past two league games leaves them four points away from the relegation places, and everyone at the club is realistic enough to know the bubble could burst. This definitely hasn’t escaped Manager Ian Holloway, who rested most of his first choice players in the weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Southampton.

However, their approach will not change, they will continue to attack any opposition. With the likes of Adam pulling the strings and pace of DJ Campbell up front there is always a case for optimism in this side. Rightly so, they beat Liverpool with relative ease in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

The target remains safety, and a good month or two would probably see them safe. Hull are evidence of how a loss in form can send you tumbling off your perch, and Holloway remembers that.

Liverpool: League Position: 12th, League Form: WLLWL

So, Hodgson is gone and ‘King Kenny’ is in charge. As Liverpool fans rejoice and the rest of the country, well, doesn’t really care, it’s time to see if things will change. The weekend’s performance against Manchester United may have been a little soon to judge the team, but they again lacked a cutting edge and defensive stability, although they were short of talisman Gerrard after his first half red card.

Defeat here will hurt Liverpool a lot. They predict a bright new dawn, but the cracks remain. With much relying on Torres and Gerrard during the good times, poor performances (or absence) during the bad times is a major blow.

Their two notable absentees are two massive ones, with Gerrard and Carragher both missing. There is little of Liverpool left in this Liverpool side, so the history of Dalglish may mean little. He comes in with the team four points from the relegation zone.

The new manager returned to 4-5-1 at United, and it is hard to know whether they’ll attempt to attack Blackpool. The demand of the fans is less away from home, and thus Dalglish may try to catch the opposition on the break, and not leave themselves open to the swift attack of Blackpool.

Match Prediction: BLACKPOOL WIN – 4.00 Victor Chandler – Free £25 bet

It’s a little bit difficult to ignore a bet at evens for a team as big as Liverpool at Blackpool. But without Gerrard and with Torres playing so poorly, Liverpool are as blunt an object as many in the Premiership. The pace of the game will be dictated by Blackpool, they like to attack and they like to do it as much as possible. Space for Liverpool without question, but they’ll be quite likely terrified of the speed of the home side.

Dalglish is the fans’ choice and towered over Hodgson throughout his reign. Fans and pundits alike have suggested he’ll bring attacking football back to Liverpool, and if he’s trying to change things it won’t be automatic. Blackpool can exploit this and continue to shock the established order.

The home team have good passers, fast attackers and a great spirit. The latter is what Liverpool seem to lack the most, and ‘King Kenny’ is no miracle worker, and it remains to be seen if he’s anything special at all. Take the value bet, you’ll be sure to back a side that will at least try and score.

DJ Campbell scored all four of Blackpool’s league goals in December, and may be worth a punt here.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.75 Bet365
First Goalscorer: DJ Campbell – 9.00 Bet 365
Correct Score: 2-1 Blackpool Win – 15.00 Blue Sq

Match Odds:-

Blackpool – 4.00 Victor Chandler
Draw – 3.75 Bet 365
Liverpool – 2.00 Bet Fred

By John Fernadez

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Premier League betting – Blackpool v Chelsea

Blackpool v Chelsea betting odds, tips & free bets

These two sides go into the Monday night clash with differing ambitions. Chelsea will be looking to build on their win against Man United with a win to keep their title hopes alive. On the other hand Blackpool will be looking to gain some valuable points to steer themselves away from the relegation zone come the end of the season.

Blackpool

Blackpool were well beaten last time out against Wolves and will have to improve if they are to get anything against Chelsea. The Seasider’s form recently hasn’t been good either after just 1 win in their last 8 games has seen them slip from 6th down to 15th in the league. With both Dj Campbell and Charlie Adam suspended for the visit of the reigning champions, Blackpool might look towards Luke Varney for goals. The striker has already got 5 in the league and the on-loan Derby man is a decent bet at 6.0 with William Hill to score at any time. The Tangerine’s home form has let them down so far this season after winning just 4 of their 13 games and they have the second worst record in the league. This, alongside the loss of key players Adam and Campbell, is represented in the odds with the home side being firm outsiders and best priced at 11.0 with Betfair to win the game.

Chelsea.

Big back to back wins for Carlo Ancelotti appear to have set his side back on course for success. It also seems the Italian has decided on pairing Nicholas Anelka and new signing Fernando Torres in attack with David Luiz also settling in well at the back. Although Chelsea’s away form has been a bit suspect this season, after losing 5 on the road, they should have plenty of quality to see them through against a struggling Blackpool and so a 2-0 away win is looking a good bet at 7.5 with Paddy Power. Fernando Torres hasn’t scored for Chelsea yet but he has already netted against Blackpool this season and so the Spaniard is a good bet at 5.0 with bet365 to score the first goal. Finally as the best defence in the league travels to the worst Paddy Power are offering good odds of 2.38 for Chelsea to win with a clean sheet.

Highlighted Bets

2-0 Chelsea win – 7.5 Paddy Power
Fernando Torres first goal scorer – 5.0 Bet365
Blackpool win – 11.0 Victor Chandler
Luke Varney any time scorer – 6.0 William Hill
Chelsea to win with a clean sheet – 2.38 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Blackpool vs Arsenal

Blackpool vs Arsenal betting odds, tips & free bets

The Sunday lunchtime clash sees two sides that are both out of form but desperate for wins in different circumstances. Arsenal haven’t won any of their last 5 matches in all competitions and the Premier League remains their only chance of silverware this season so they will be looking for 3 points to keep them in the title race. Blackpool though, haven’t won in their last 4 matches and are looking for 3 valuable points to steer them away from the drop zone.

Blackpool

The first half of the season looked so promising for Blackpool but just 1 league win in their last 11 games has seen them slip to just 1 place above the drop zone going into the last 7 games of the season. If the Seasiders are to survive this season then they will have to improve their home form, they currently have the worst record in the league winning just 4 of their 14 games and have picked up just 15 points. Dj Campbell is set to return to the side for the weekend though after serving his 3 game ban and should go straight into the team. The Striker is Blackpool’s top scorer this season and a great bet at 4.0 with Skybet to score at any time. Blackpool’s poor home form is represented in their odds for the match on Sunday with the home side being priced at long as 9.5 with Stan James to get the win.

Arsenal

Although Arsenal have not won in their last 5 games in all competitions they are still unbeaten in 13 league games but have fallen behind in the race for the title recently. The Gunners do though only have the league to concentrate on and have to face current leaders Manchester United before the end of the season. Robin Van Persie is Arsenal’s top scorer in the league this season with 11 goals from 17 games and is looking good to open the scoring on Sunday with odds of 4.5 available at Unibet. The Gunners are firm favourites to turn their poor recent form around and looking good for a 3-1 win with odds of 11.5 at Unibet. Arsenal also boast the best away record in the league with 7 wins and only two defeats from 14 games and the return of captain Cesc Fabregas should give them an extra boost.

Highlighted Bets

Dj Campbell anytime scorer – 4.0 Skybet

Blackpool WIN – 9.5 Stan James
Robin Van Persie first goal scorer – 4.33 Blue Square
3-1 Arsenal WIN – 11.0 Betfred
Charlie Adam to score from outside the penalty area – 12.0 Paddy Power

By John Fernandez

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Premier League – Chelsea vs Arsenal

Chelsea Vs Arsenal betting preview

Four points separate leaders Chelsea and third placed Arsenal going into Sunday’s mouth-watering clash at Stamford Bridge. Both teams failed to pick up wins in their last league games with the Blues coming unstuck at Manchester City while the Gunners were on the receiving end of a shock home defeat against West Brom. But who will prevail in front of the Sky cameras this weekend?

Chelsea have confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will take his seat in the dug-out for this one despite the death of his father this week. In his absence in midweek, the West Londoners showed no ill-effects by comfortably brushing aside Marseille in the Champions League with goals from John Terry and Nicolas Anelka. And goals are something the reigning Premier League champions have in abundance, racking up an impressive goal difference tally of nineteen in their opening six games this campaign. In fact, last weekends defeat at Eastlands was the first time Chelsea had failed to score in a massive twenty-five league games which stretches way back to December 2009. So you can bet your bottom dollar that Arsenal’s aptly names keeper ‘Flappy Handski’ may well be picking the ball out of his net on at least one occasion on Sunday. The Blues are best priced 3-4 with Paddy Power to dispatch of their North London rivals.

Arsene Wenger’s side will be hoping to deliver their boss a milestone gift as the Frenchman celebrated fourteen years in charge of the club on Friday. He sends his troops to the Bridge aiming to bounce back from the unexpected defeat at the hands of the Baggies but his team did return to winning ways in Europe on Tuesday evening. The trip to Belgrade was dubbed a potential banana skin for Arsenal but their class told in the end running out 3-1 victors. Their start to the new Premier League season has been typical of the Gunners; they’ve taken apart teams at the Emirates including the 6-0 thumping of newcomers Blackpool and they’ve struggled to see out games on the road. A last gasp Darren Bent strike for Sunderland in their last away match was a timely reminder of the Gunners’ frailties in defence and it is those errors that will have to be erased if they are to get anything at Chelsea. SkyBet are best price for an Arsenal win at 9/2 but alarmingly Chelsea have lost just two of the previous seventeen meetings between the pair in all competitions.

The spotlight will be very much on Lukasz Fabianski on Sunday. The Polish stopper has had his fair share of criticism between the sticks but put in a man of the match performance against Partizan in midweek. He looks set to deputise for Manuel Almunia once again, but one of his most high profile errors did come against Chelsea in a FA Cup semi-final loss in 2009. The Blues have scored nine goals in their last three games against Arsenal, so can Fabianski stop the rot?

The draw is worth exploring in this one and Victor Chandler go 14/5 both teams cancel one another out. But injuries could cripple Arsenal’s chances this time around with playmaker and captain Cesc Fabregas likely to be sidelined through injury while Thomas Vermaelen has also been ruled out.

Unsurprisingly Dider Drogba heads the First Goalscorer marker once more at 10/3 (Victor Chandler). But it may pay to side with team-mate Florent Malouda at a much more creditable 6/1 (Betfred) considering the Frenchman has netted the first goal on three occasions this term, two of those coming at Stamford Bridge. Alternatively, the longshot wager could be with Ghana ace Michael Essier at 12/1 (BlueSquare) who rediscovered his goalscoring touch at Upton Park in early September. As for Arsenal, Andrei Arshavin is in fine form of late and the clubs top scorer has bagged fiver goals in all competitions, must be worth chancing at Betfred’s 11/1 and/or 7/2 anytime.

Reccomended bets

The match between these two Premier League giants promises to be hotly contested and we could see goals at both ends. Bet365 go 4/5 that both teams score while over 3.5 goals is tempting 2/1 at the same firm!

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Premier League betting – Blackburn vs Arsenal betting

Blackburn vs Arsenal betting preview

It’s quite fair to say Big Sam is gradually laying the foundations at Blackburn Rovers after a topsy-turvy start to life at Ewood Park. His main aim was to safeguard the clubs Premier League future which was never really in doubt, and now he must improve on last seasons mid-table finish . But Sam’s the master of transforming the fortunes of a club of this stature just as he did down the road at ’The Reebok’ a few seasons prior. A mixture of experience and promising young youth did the trick at Bolton and that could be the perfect tonic at Blackburn. The opening day win against Everton signalled the Lancastrians intent and with a proposed takeover looming the future looks bright if you’re a Blackburn fan! But one thing is for certain, Ewood Park has to made a fortress this term and Arsenal will sure test their resolve in this Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. Big Sam has a decent managerial record against the Gunners which begs the ultimate question – can he continue it?

In twenty head-to-head meetings between Allardyce and Wenger, the former has yielded four victories and seven draws and a point and will be hoping to avoid defeat again in Rovers’ second home game of the new season. Last weeks narrow 2-1 defeat at Birmingham was disappointing considering Steven Nzonzi’s had given the visitors the lead. To rub salt in the wound, Ben Foster expertly tipped Morten Gamst Pedersen’s penalty kick onto the upright and Big Sam’s men left empty handed. So can they return to winning ways against an Arsenal side who smashed six past Blackpool last time out? SkyBet and Paddy Power go 11/2 for a Rovers home win which seems incredibly overpriced. The corresponding fixture was the penultimate game of last season, and it was Blackburn who edged that one 2-1 and it would be no big surprise if they were to repeat this feat at excellent odds. That day, Big Sam targeted Arsenal’s weakened backline and said the key to exploit the North Londoners was to crowd the goalkeeper and deliver balls into the box. And with Arsenal seemingly short on numbers in the defensive area, these same bustling tactics could well be employed once again. Mame Biram Diouf was the star of the show in the League Cup in midweek with a hat-trick and he could pose a real threat once again if given his own way up top.

The Emirates faithful were treated to goals galore last weekend, SIX in fact were smashed past the hapless Seasiders Blackpool. Theo Walcott helped himself to magnificent hat-trick in one of the most one sided games we will witness all season. But Arsene will know the trip to Blackburn will pose a much sterner test of his young hitters yet they are a poor 4/7 still to claim all three points with the bookmakers. No value can be sought from this and instead I’d rather take Arsenal on and bravely be a layer than a backer. Arsene’s troops are unbeaten in their two games this season after their last-gasp opening day draw at Liverpool. However, the club were exempt from League Cup action this week (joining the competition in the next round) and will definitely be much fresher than their Blackburn counterparts. If the Gunners’ are to challenge for the title this season these are the games the club need to get maximum returns from. New signing Sebastien Squallaci could be involved in this one and his defensive qualities will be needed if the Gunners are to emerge as winners.

The last six meetings between the pair at Ewood Park have been relatively close affairs with Arsenal winning on three occasions and Blackburn the two. There has been just one draw in this time, but this one could easily end in a share of the spoils at 14/5 (William Hill). Alternatively, the double chance market can be exploited, and if you’re looking for value take Blackburn or the Draw at 23/20 with William Hill. However, the diamond bet rest with both teams to score although it is a shade of odds on at 5/6 with Betfred. There have been 19 goals in the last four Premier League games between these two.

With regards the First Goalscorer market, it could pay to stick with Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie who is yet to get off the mark this season at a/1 (Coral). He might seem the most obvious candidate but there are others who can break this stalemate, Marouane Chamakh and Andrei Arshavin are both interesting contenders at 9/2 and 6/1 respectively. The aforementioned Mame Biram Diouf will have been buoyed by his treble in midweek and he’s another to consider at 11/1 with Nikola Kalinic chalked up at the same price. But if it’s a longshot who you’re after, David Dunn (14/1 Victor Chandler) should enter calculations – he’ll no doubt be on set-piece and penalty kick duty once again.

Betting Verdict

Van Persie to score first at best odds 5/1 with Coral

Both teams to score at best odds 5/6 with Betfred

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Premier League betting – Birmingham vs Man Utd

Birmingham vs Man Utd betting preview

Birmingham League Position: 17th League Form: DWDDL

Birmingham are a tough unit to break down at home, Sir Alex has recognised this. However things are turning out a little different than they did last term for the Blues, the strength in between the posts of Joe Hart last season meant that defensively they were solid. Summer signing Ben Foster has done his best to fill those boots, but as of yet he has fallen short, the other big summer signing was Nikola Zigic and when I say big I mean big. The tallest player at the world cup hasn’t been firing on all cylinders since his £6 million move from cash strapped Valencia, scoring only twice in 16 appearances for the club.

Birmingham’s biggest threat in this fixture is most notably Cameron Jerome, who is priced at 10/1 on Bet 365 to open the scoring. He shares these odds with the enormous Serbian, so for those of you who believe that Zigic can best his international team mate Nemanja Vidic in front of goal he is also 10/1 on Bet365 to open the scoring. United aren’t ones to give away a soft goal of late, so these bets may be for the Birmingham fans out there and no one else.

Manchester United League Position: 1st League Form: DWWWWW

Manchester United are still on an unbeaten in the league, a sign that while their performances, bar the 7-1 against Blackburn, are a little lacklustre, they can still deliver the goods where it matters. This weekend’s showing against Sunderland was one of efficiency, and definitely sent out a warning to other sides that while Wayne Rooney is still suffering a dramatic dip in form, the Red Devils goals can come from anywhere.

It’s a strange sight that the player who was ridiculed as lazy and useless last season is now undoubtedly the in form striker in the Premiership this season. Dimitar Berbatov was even seen to make a 40 yard run for the ball, something that many United fans hadn’t expected to see in a million years. Berbatov therefore looks like the smart man’s bet to score anytime in this fixture, prices at 7/5 on BWIN, he is given more handsome odds to score first though at 5/1 on BWIN.

United now have their first team defence back and fit, so with Ferdinand and Vidic patrolling the back a bet on United to clean sheet looks like a promising one against a team who are struggling to find goals of late. The best odds for this are on Boylesports at 6/5 that United will win a keep a clean sheet in this match.

It would be difficult not to tip United to win this game and extend their lead at the top of the league and with their best players, again bar Rooney, hitting form at the right time of the season Birmingham could be on the end of a thrashing if they aren’t careful.

Highlighted Bets:

First goalscorer Nikola Zigic 10/1Bet 365
First goalscorer Cammeron Jerome10/1Bet 365
Anytime goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov 7/5 BWIN
First goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov 5/1 BWIN
Manchester United win with a clean sheet 6/5 Boylesport

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Birmingham vs Aston Villa

Birmingham vs Aston Villa betting preview

Birmingham League Position: 15th League Form: DLDLW

Birmingham’s season has been one characterized by unpredictability. Their home form was the rock they built their great season upon last year however they haven’t been able to repeat it this year. Their better results though have been at St Andrews this season, a feat they will definitely want to repeat against local and relegation rivals Villa. David Bentley’s arrival at St Andrews is an interesting one also, when Bentley arrived at Spurs before people were making comparisons to David Beckham, but as his form dropped he dropped down the pecking order behind Niko Kracjar and Aaron Lennon. David Bentley’s possible debut though means that he has very good odds of 15.0 on SkyBet and Bet365.

Defender Liam Ridgewell has also been in good scoring form this season and has odds of 10.0 to score anytime on Bet 365. The last time these two sides met as well it was a 0-0 draw with both sides cancelling each other out quite nicely however this game along with the rivalry has a lot more riding on it.

Aston Villa League Position: 18th League Form: WLLDL

Villa are having a nightmare season, after Martin O’ Neill left and Gerrard Houlier was appointed Villa fans thought that under the Frenchman’s helm they would be OK.  This has been far from the reality, Villa are now languishing in the relegation zone and this tie that last year was a battle for midland supremacy now is a relegation scrap. Emile Heskey’s form under his old boss has been better though and his return to fitness can only be a good thing for Houlier, he is priced at 3.5 on Bet365 to score at any time.

Villa however are still relying on a young squad and one that is lacking in experience at this level, while names like Albrighton and Lilacj have performed well, they still are finding it hard to adapt to life in the Premier league. This derby is sure to bring with it a number of heated exchanges and with that a good few cards,  so a bet on there to be a sending off in this game with odds of 3.3 on Extrabet could be a good investment. With both teams rather lacking in form it is definitely a difficult one to call, however in the last few games Villa have looked truly dreadful and things look like they could only get worse for the Villains, so a Birmingham win looks likely.

Highlighted Bets

First Goalscorer David Bentley 15.0 SkyBet
Anytime Goalscorer Liam Ridgewell 10.0 Bet365
Anytime Goalscorer Emile Heskey 3.5 Bet365
Outright Birmingham 2.5 William Hill

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Aston Villa vs Spurs

Aston Villa vs Spurs betting preview

Aston Villa Form: WDLLLW League Position: 15th

Aston Villa recovered from three straight defeats last time out in the Premier League to record only their fifth league win of the season. While Villa will need to start finding some consistency under Gerard Houllier if they are to steer themselves away from the Premier League relegation zone, as they currently stand only 4 points above it. Even after losing only once at home this season, the Villans go into this tie under dogs and a good price for an upset at 9/4 with Victor Chandler. Gabriel Agbonlahor is yet to get off the mark this season after suffering with various injury complaints, but the young striker is a great price at 7/1 with Bet365 to open the scoring. Attacking midfielder Ashley Young is hoping to be fit for the visit of Spurs on Boxing Day after knee ligament damage, but the clash should come too soon for Stiliyan Petrov and Fabian Delph, with Luke Young and Steve Sidwell still missing out.

Tottenham Form: DWWWDD League Position: 5th

Tottenham will be looking to keep in the running for the Champions League places at the very least when they travel to Villa on Saturday after two draws against Birmingham and Chelsea. Although Spurs still haven’t kept a clean sheet in the league since the opening day, their games have produced goals, with 13 of their games in all competitions this season producing 4 or more. Gareth Bale has been in great form this term scoring 5 goals in the league and the Welshman is most definitely the danger man. With that in mind, Coral are offering really good odds of 3/1 for the Winger to provide an assist at any point during the match. Although top scorer Rafael Van Der Vaart will still miss the clash through injury, as will Tom Huddleston, Jermaine Jenas, Ledley King and Jamie O’Hara.

Match Prediction: Tottenham WIN best priced at 7/5 Stan James

Tottenham will be looking to keep their title hopes alive on Boxing Day when they take on a Villa side struggling to find some consistency. Despite Villa being as low as 15th they are only 7 points behind the visitors Spurs, and a victory on Saturday could be a big boost for Gerard Houllier. However Redknapp’s men have produced some good performances this season and should go on to get the victory. A 2-1 away win should bring a good return with odds of 9/1 being offered at Sky Bet.

Highlighted Bets

Gareth Bale to provide an assist – 3/1 Coral

2-1 Tottenham Win – 9/1 Sky Bet

Gabriel Agbonlahor to score first – 7/1 Bet 365

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Aston Villa vs Newcastle

Aston Villa vs Newcastle betting odds, tips & free bets

Aston Villa: League Position: 16th, League Form: DWLLD

A turbulent season will come to an end without success whatever happens from here on for Villa, but from years of competing for places in Europe they now find themselves fighting relegation. The serious prospect of going down will force a reaction from Gerard Houllier’s side, and their fate may be decided by whether it’s positive or negative. They’re only two points above next week’s opposition West Ham, who are in 18th, and are in desperate need for the three points on offer.

A squad with their individual strength would never have been predicted to have sank so low throughout the season, but they are where they are. Eight games since a clean sheet, 21 since a no score draw, the defence cannot support the attack. But with players like Agbonlahor, Downing, Ashley Young, Darren Bent, and even John Carew before he left on loan, the low total of six league goals for their top league scorer (A. Young) is surprising. Whereas before they were scoring enough to cover defensive lapses, and putting more pressure on the opposition’s backline, now they are vulnerable. They have dropped more points (23) from winning positions than any other team, and would be third in the league table with those additional points. Villa have also conceded more goals from corners (13) and more headed goals (also 13) than any other team in the Premier League, and these are clearly the signs of a struggling, inconsistent side.

Newcastle: League Position: 9th, League Form: WDLLW

Newcastle travel to Villa Park for the first time since their infamous relegation from the Premier League was confirmed 23 months ago. Whereas before their last game they looked uncertain in their league position again, a resounding 4-1 victory at home to Wolves last weekend has pretty much crushed any fears of relegation. Their manager Alan Pardew believes “one win and a couple of draws” will secure their safety, and it’s hard to argue that 44 points would keep them up.

The problem for them this weekend is missing players. They will be without top scorer Kevin Nolan (12), the impressive and combative midfielder Cheik Tiote and a few others. Their strike force, diminished since the sale of Andy Carroll, will be without Leon Best for the rest of the season, leaving them with only Ranger, Ameobi, Lovenkrands and Kuqi. Not highly impressive unless on their best game. Their only fitness positive is the return of another impressive performer, and rumoured transfer target of many sides, Jose Enrique.

Match Prediction: Aston Villa Win – 1.91 Stan James

Although Villa were smashed 6-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Newcastle have lost their two top scorers, no longer have home advantage and don’t have the same desperate need for points as Villa.
The positives for Aston Villa are the improvement of late, unluckily missing out on three points after an away draw against Everton, and their undoubted quality. Ashley Young, Darren Bent and Stewart Downing have all performed well for England recently, and further form from them and they will be hard to see going down.
Newcastle did look very good and very motivated last week against Wolves, but being robbed of Nolan and Tiote is a huge blow to their midfield. The goals missing from their team with no Nolan and of course No Carroll, who had 23 goals this season for the club between them, will take a lot to replace, especially for a makeshift strike team. They’ve won as many games away from home as they have at St James’ Park, but their defensive record is less than great, conceding nearly double as many as they have scored.
A defeat here for Villa will really put them into danger, especially with such a highly important away game next weekend and the relatively good form of most of the teams fighting relegation.
Although Bent has only goal less in half the games Ashley Young has played, but Young takes penalties, will likely play in behind the striker, and is nearly double the price.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.91 William Hill
First Goalscorer: Ashley Young – 8.5 Victor Chandler
Correct Score: 2-1 Aston Villa Win – 9.00 Sky Bet

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal betting preview

Aston Villa     League Form: LDDWDL     League Position: 13th

Aston Villa went down 2-0 at Blackburn on Sunday and continued their poor recent form. Without several of their more experienced players, Villa have now won only one of their previous 6. Although they did run Manchester United close in the 2-2 draw a few weeks ago, which manager Gerard Houllier will take heart from going into the weekends clash against Arsenal. Stuart Downing is Aston Villa’s top scorer so far this season with 4 goals and the attacking midfielder is well worth a bet at 16/1 with Coral to open the scoring. Promising youngster Marc Albrighton is out of the weekend clash after having an appendix operation, while their lengthy list of doubts include: John Carew, Carlos Cuellar, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell.

Arsenal     League Form: WWLWWL     League Position: 3rd

Arsenal’s week has gone from bad to worse, after losing at home to local rivals Tottenham for the first time at since 1993. They went down 2-0 in Portugal against Braga and influential midfielder Cesc Fabregas sustained a fresh hamstring injury that could keep him out for up to 3 weeks. Despite this, they still go into the tie away at Villa favourites and best priced at 5/4 with BlueSq to return to winning ways. Marouane Chamakh is starting to find his form after his summer move to the Emirates and Stan James are offering a standout price of 2/1 for the Moroccan striker to score at any time. In addition to losing their captain the Gunners will also be without Emmanuel Eboue, Abou Diaby, Thomas Vermaelen and Manuel Almunia. However, they could be boosted by the return of Robin Van Persie who Wenger left out of the midweek clash with Braga.

Match Prediction:      Arsenal Win Best Priced at 5/4 Blue Sq

Arsenal will be determined to get back to winning ways after two disappointing defeats, and they should do that against a Villa side missing several players. Both sides have conceded and scored plenty recently, so there should be goals on show. A 2-1 Arsenal win looks a really good bet at 17/2 with Sky Bet.  As does Arsenal to do a reverse of last weekend and come from behind and win at 10/1 with Paddy Power. However Aston Villa are a good price at 13/5 with BoyleSports to get the win, considering they are at home against an Arsenal side wavering after two defeats.

By Sam Markham

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