Premier League betting – Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa vs Arsenal betting preview

Liverpool vs Aston Villa league Position: 11th League Form: WDLWL

Uninspiring Liverpool’s 2010/11 campaign continues with a home game against Aston Villa this Monday. Having dealt with the pace and attacking verve of Spurs reasonably well for a large chunk of the game last Sunday, Roy Hodgson can be confident his team can stave off a side in the same mould in this match.

Liverpool were unfortunate last week. Without Gerrard, who is expected to remain on the sidelines for this match, Raul Meireles bossed the midfield comfortably. They also played with two up front, giving them more than Torres to look for on the attack and also someone for the Spaniard to try and play off. As he continues to find his sharpness, the Reds can be content others like Maxi and Jovanovic are picking up goals, as well as stronger performances.

The problem now is the defence. Carragher could be out for three months, whilst Agger is also sidelined. Kyrgiakos and Skrtel have performed well this season, but they’ve now got little cover, and both are suspect defenders.

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

A frustrating season for the Villains gathers pace as the Christmas season approaches. As an O’Neill side they were built for the counter attack, springing forward with pace, a danger away from home. Houllier has come in the Midlands club and had to steer a ship in danger of imploding.

They’ve been robbed of key players over the past few months, and are unfortunate coming into such a big game that Agbonlahor and Carew’s returning fitness can’t combine with the mercurial, yet suspended, Ashley Young.

This is a game both Young and the injured Albrighton would have enjoyed, and now it’s up to Agbonlahor to carry the pace in the side. With many others missing, including Reo-Coker and Petrov, Houllier must put his trust in youth again. In the absence of so many of the star names in his tenure so far, the Frenchman arrives at his old club with a team averaging only a point a game under his stewardship.

Match Prediction: Liverpool Win – 1.62 Victor Chandler and Paddy Power,

Neither team is desperate to play with their foot on the pedal the whole game. This is a factor that has left many Liverpool fans disappointed by the reign of Hodgson so far. With Villa happy to counter attack, the presence of their home support may force Liverpool forward, and although out of their comfort zone, it may be the perfect way to play this game.

Considering Liverpool were on for a point away at Tottenham, until a stoppage time Lennon goal put them 2-1 down, it’s fair that they can expect three points at home against Villa. Without Young, who has carried the side at times this year, Gerard Houllier’s side lacks a creative spark. They’ll go for it, especially if they concede, but this will only expose an inconsistent defence.

With Torres at only 3/1 for the first goal, the value may be with a man who scores vital goals for his club. Dirk Kuyt consistently pops up with the odd goal, and offers the best supporting threat from midfield.

Highlighted Bets:

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Bet 365

First Goalscorer: Dirk Kuyt – 7.00 Paddy Power

Correct Score: 2-1 Liverpool Win – 9.00 Sky Bet, Stan James

Match Odds:

Liverpool – 1.62 Victor Chandler, Paddy Power

Draw – 4.00 Victor Chandler

Aston Villa – 7.00 Stan James

By Chris Wilkerson

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