Sunday, May 20th, 2012
The Aston Villa v Birmingham odds say Villa are clear favourites to continue their excellent recent run against their bitterest rivals.
For the up to date Aston Villa v Birmingham odds click here
It’s Gerard Houllier’s first taste of the occasion, where passions do run high.
To see full Aston Villa v Birmingham odds and to claim a free £50 bet from Betfred, click here
Aston Villa: 10/11
Birmingham: 7/2
Draw: 12/5
Aston Villa go into this fixture with the indian sign over their not so beloved neighbours, having won the last six meetings between the two. This is quite something for a local derby which is contested with an intense rivalry, and does have enough of a smattering of home grown players to give it some intensity. Even if they didn’t, the loathing between the fans is evident. John Carew should be fit for Villa, but Mark Albrighton is suspended and Habib Beye is struggling for fitness. Villa so far have struggled for goals under Houllier’s tenure and may find Birmingham difficult to break down.
Birmingham have ex-Villa man Craig Gardner – and he’s becoming increasingly important. Liam Ridgwell has also made that trip too, but one of their long term injury victims, James McFadden, is proving a significant loss. We can expect the Blues to show some resilience, but the question remains as to whether or not they can do significant damage to teams away from home. Expect referee Howard Webb to be busy early.
Fierce and low scoring seems inevitable. Get on a 1-0 win for Villa with Betfred – click on the link to back Villa at 6/1!