West Brom v Aston Villa Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score – 13 December 2014

Premier League Tips

Following a relatively positive run of form where they picked up 11 points from six games earlier in the season, things have taken a dramatic turn for the worse at the Hawthorns. West Brom are on a run of five games without a win, losing four of those, managing just one goal in those five games. It’s heaped the pressure on manager Alan Irvine, who was not a popular choice when appointed in the summer, and if they don’t manage to pick up a win this weekend then the situation will look even bleaker for the manager.

Another manager who was under pressure not so long ago was Paul Lambert but he has steadied the ship, somewhat, with his Aston Villa side now unbeaten in five. They have won their last two –their first victories since the middle of September – which has given them some breathing space at the bottom of the table. Those wins were against sides who are also concerned with the battle against relegation, firstly away against Crystal Palace and at home to Leicester last time out. It’s been a significant change of form for a side who had lost six straight between September and the beginning of November.

West Brom’s drop in form has coincided with the goals of Saido Berahino drying up. Berahino has seven goals for the season and went on a run of scoring five in four. The last time he found the net was October, however, which is a run of six games that he’s drawn a blank. It’s not unusual for younger players to have streaky spells and that can definitely be applied to West Brom’s front man. If Irvine is going to turn it around then you have to think that Berahino will have to start back on t he goal trail as soon as possible.

As West Brom’s results began to dip when the goals of their striker dried up, it’s been the return to full fitness for Villa’s main man, Christian Benteke, that has gone a long way to improving their fortunes. Benteke had been missing since last season with an injury so it was to be expected that he would need a run of games to get back to the high level he has shown since coming to England. He contributes an awful lot to this team and his influence in the last month has been huge.

With Birmingham and Wolves plying their trade in the Championship, this is the big derby for both these clubs. West Brom are on a horrendous run but their home performances tend to be better than when they play on the road. They were unlucky not to take anything from their match against Arsenal whilst their only goal in their last five came in their most recent home game, against West Ham. Villa have definitely got back on track in recent weeks and whilst it may not be the prettiest of football, they’ve found a way to pick up results. It will be a highly charged atmosphere with it being a local derby and that will add to the pressure, especially for the home side. Villa would be my suggestion with regards to getting the win but this fixture often produces goals (both teams have scored in 13 of the last 15 meetings) and that’s my selection at odds against, here.

Both teams to score 11/10 @ Betfair