Villa vs Blackpool – Injuries hand visitors a realistic winning chance
Published:Aston Villa have not won at home in the Premier League since August and they will feel that the visit of Blackpool will present them with the opportunity to bring to an end this unwanted run.
Match Odds
A lack of goals has been one of the reasons for Villa’s disappointing recent form that has seen them take three points from a possible 15.
Meanwhile, Gerard Houllier has seen his injury list grow on an almost daily basis in recent weeks with Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo Coker the latest additions since the weekend draw with Fulham.
Strikers John Carew, Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor are all out, while captain Stiliyan Petrov is troubled by a knee problem.
However, Villa are still 4/7 to beat Blackpool and can rely on a solid home record as they are unbeaten at Villa Park in their five games and have conceded just once.
Blackpool have secured their best results away from home with three victories and are 5/1 to take the points from their trip to Birmingham.
Over/Under 2.5 goals
While the majority of Blackpool’s games so far this season have been goal fests, Villa have often opted to keep things tight.
Ten of Blackpool’s 12 games in all competitions have featured more than 2.5 goals and it is 8/13 that at least three goals are scored in their first fixture with Villa since 1975.
However, Villa’s last four league games have all witnessed two goals or fewer being scored, while the last two at Villa Park have ended goalless.
It is 6/5 that no more than two goals are scored in their meeting with Blackpool, with a 2-0 home win looking like a potential correct scoreline at 6/1.
Barry Bannan is liable to start for Villa and he made 22 appearances for Blackpool during a loan spell last season to help them get promoted from the Championship. See the full Aston Villa vs Blackpool match betting odds market.
