Aston Villa v Norwich predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Aston Villa v Norwich predictions Premier League England, England	27/10/2012 13:45	asian handicap	Norwich +0.5	1.99	Bet at 188bet
Betting prediction was written by Matt

Aston Villa v Norwich predictions and preview: Betting stats

Aston Villa sit a disappointing 17^th in the Premier League after 8 games with just 5 points (W1 D2 L5). Their win came at home to Swansea four games ago and their form has been poor since (WLDLL). At home they have been hit and miss; aside from that win against Swansea they have lost to Everton and drawn with West Brom. Their games average 2.38 goals with 2 exceeding 2.5 goals and 6 having fewer.

Norwich aren’t doing much better and are 2 places higher with 1 more point than their hosts (W1 D3 L4). Their only win came last time out in a surprising 1-0 against Arsenal but away from home they have only secured 1 point; a draw against Spurs sandwiched by defeats against Fulham, Newcastle and Chelsea. Their games average 2.88 goals and 3 have over 2.5; 5 have under.

Last season saw both fixtures end in home wins; the corresponding fixture finishing 3-2 to Villa with Darrent Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor starring for the home side.

Team News and Run of Play

Villa still have long-term absentees such as Richard Dunne and Gary Gardner but also have defensive worries in Nathan Baker’s twisted ankle against Fulham and Ciaran Clark coming back from international duty with an injury. The two young centre backs face late fitness tests. If neither passes, it seems right-back Lowton may have to partner Ron Vlaar at centre back. Norwich have only Steven Whittaker out injured but he returned to U21 action last week so may be on the bench.

Villa were described as “toothless” after their late defeat to Fulham last weekend and that seems apt; no creativity and seemingly no desire. They seem to be completely lacking in confidence and maybe Paul Lambert would prefer to still be Norwich manager.

His former side are also struggling but have the momentum going into this fixture after an early goal then magnificent defensive effort in order to beat Arsenal last week. They have been beaten soundly away from home in a couple of fixtures but they haven’t played a team so out-of-sorts as Villa just yet.

These two sides are the joint lowest scorers, along with Sunderland, and without more goals they will both be struggling for the season. Bent and Benteke for Villa, Holt and Morison for Norwich; neither of these striking pairs have netted as often as their managers would like.

Aston Villa v Norwich predictions: 1X2 betting preview

This game is difficult to call with two sides both struggling with form. Norwich have the momentum off the back of last week’s victory but I’m not too sure they have the power to take all three points. For me the value probably lies in the draw and that can be backed at 3.75 with Stan James.

If you agree that this game will be a stalemate then back it here.

Aston Villa v Norwich predictions: Asian Handicap preview

I think that backing Aston Villa at around Even money does not represent any value whatsoever in their sorry state at the moment so for me Norwich (+0.5) is the bet. If they win or draw, you win at odds of 1.99 with 188bet, essentially the ‘Double Chance’ market.

If you can see Norwich getting at least the draw, bet it here.

Aston Villa v Norwich predictions: Total Goals preview

Neither team are high scoring at the moment. They both have leaky defences however and Villa have just one fit centre back at the moment. For me, the odd goal could decide this fixture and odds of 2.10 with BetVictor for under 2.5 goals looks a bet.

If you can’t see goals in this lunchtime fixture, bet here.