Aston Villa v West Brom
Saturday 16th February 1500hrs
Football – England – Championship
Pick Both teams to score and Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathon Bet
Odds: 89/100 (odds taken 21.00 GMT, Friday 15th February)
It may be FA Cup weekend but there is a big Midlands derby in the Championship that is bound to have big repercussions on the playoff picture for both Aston Villa and West Brom
Championship Betting at Marathon Bet
Aston Villa Preview
If you looked up the word inconsistent then you are likely to see Aston Villa’s name next to it – and similar would apply if you searched for frustrating. Dean Smith was ushered in following Steve Bruce’s sacking with the promise of playing an attractive brand of football which the supporters were craving for. On what we’ve seen so far there’s no doubt that Smith has certainly transformed Villa’s style of play and they are one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the division – the problem is that whilst it’s attractive, it’s not been one that has brought as many wins as the club need to be threatening the playoff positions, let alone automatic promotion which is what the expectation is. Smith took his team to his former employers Brentford in midweek and it was an unhappy return as Villa lost 1-0. It means that they have now won just once in their last eight league games. Granted, there have been five draws in that time, but single points are not going to be enough to close the gap between themselves and the top six which currently stands at seven points, and that’s with Villa having played a game more. The push for the playoffs is so congested, as we know, so the longer this inconsistency continues for Smith’s men, the more likely it is they will be preparing for another season in the Championship.
Key-Facts – Aston Villa v West Brom
- Neither Villa or West Brom have been as consistent as they would like in 2019
- Matches involving both these clubs average more than three per game
- Eight of Villa’s last nine home games have seen both teams scoring and there being at least three goals
West Brom Preview
West Brom make the short journey to Villa Park on Saturday in the hope of picking up three points which would get their automatic promotion charge back on track. It’s been a frustrating period for Darren Moore’s team in that they have not been able to string together a run of wins that would have seen them take advantage of the dropped points the teams above them have been giving up. For a team who have been in the top six virtually all season, the Baggies have surprisingly not won consecutive matches in the league since the end of December. West Brom have played seven games since their win over Wigan on Boxing Day and have won twice, drawn three and loss twice. That record could be even worse, however, had it not been for a controversial penalty equaliser in their home match against Nottingham Forest during the week. Jay Rodriguez’ spot kick rescued a point for Moore’s team late on but Dwight Gayle’s simulation to earn it means he will now face a ban as a result, starting tomorrow. That means the team will be deprived of a player who has already contributed 16 goals in the league this season.
Aston Villa v West Brom Betting Preview
This still has the feel and look of a Premier League fixture such is both club’s association with the top flight, but the reality is that Villa and West Brom are doing all they can to get back to that level and they will have to improve on their consistency if they are to do so. The visitors have the best opportunity at the moment it would seem considering their respective league positions and holding a 10-point lead over their opponents. Villa will be looking to ensure that lead is reduced by three points come full time on Saturday.
You only have to have seen a few games of both these teams in recent weeks to know that both managers look to go out and attack at every opportunity and that is backed up by the stats. Villa and West Brom sit at the top of the average goals in games table in this season’s Championship – with matches involving them averaging 3.31 and 3.29 goals respectively. The need for points is obvious for both in tomorrow’s clash and the evidence suggests we should be in for plenty of goals. Villa’s last nine home games have seen three or more goals scored and eight of them have also had both teams finding the net.
