Sunday, May 20th, 2012
The Aston Villa v Rapid Vienna tie has suddenly got added significance for Villa after their 6-0 beating at Newcastle. A good showing here is surely vital for caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald if he wants the job permanently.
Click here for Betfair’s odds on tonight’s tie – they offer a free £25 bet on the action.
Will Villa suffer an exit to the Austrians for a second season in a row?
Rapid Vienna: 13/2 with Stan James
Villa boss MacDonald seems in two minds about whether or not to have his senior playerss involved here as they try and build on their 1-1 draw in Austria. Richard Dunne, Luke Young and Stephen Warnock are all missing, but James Collins and Carlos Cuellar are fit again. Gabriel Agbonlahor may be unleashed too, a big plus. Any defensive combination will be a bit twitchy after getting thumped 6-0 by Newcastle United, so Villa will be wary in the opening minutes. The younger Villa side chosen in Vienna started well but faded as the match went on.A spicing of experience should prevent that happening again.
Rapid and Rangers spent lots of time negotiating over the sale of striker Nikica Jelavic with his departure significantly weakening Peter Pacult’s team compared to the side that took this tie a year ago.
With the benefit of the away goal, Villa should make it through this time.
Sportnewbase.com recommends: 1/2 with VC Bet for Villa looks value enough. You can claim up to £50 in free bets with them too!