Prediction and odds for the game: Aston Villa (11/5) v Sheffield United (5/4)
We are backing the draw at odds of 12/5
When: Wednesday, 17th June 2020, Kick-off 18:00
Where: Villa Park
On Wednesday evening, Aston Villa host Sheffield United at Villa Park, in a game that could be massive for both teams in the Premier League.
Aston Villa
The Villans are struggling to avoid an instant return to the Championship after a poor campaign. Dean Smith’s team are currently 19th in the top-flight, having been on a terrible run of form before the break. However, there is hope for Villa, as they are just two points adrift of safety. Win this game in-hand and the team from the Midlands could be in a very different position.
The biggest problem for the home side of late has been winning games though. They have won just once in their last seven league matches while suffering four straight defeats in the English top-flight.
Villa’s achilles heel this season has been their leaky defence, as no team has conceded more than the Villans tally of 56 goals in the Premier League. More recently Smith’s team has conceded at least twice in their last league matches.
The Villans have also struggled for results on home soil in the top-flight, suffering defeats in five of their last eight outings.
Sheffield United
Unlike the hosts, Sheffield United have thrived this season after promotion last season. In fact, a win in this clash would move the Blades up to fifth-place, just two points outside the Champions League spots. It has been quite an extraordinary return to the top-flight for Yorkshire outfit.
Before the break, Chris Wilder’s team were on a four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, from which they had garnered ten points. Last time out they recorded a 1-0 home win over Norwich City. The game was another low-scoring encounter, as 11 of the Blades last 12 league games have produced under 2.5 goals.
The visitors do not have a great recent away record, as a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace last time out ended a three-game winless run in the Premier League for the Blades. As with Sheffield United’s league games in general, their recent away matches have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in nine of their last ten league matches on their travels.
The Blades have been tough opponents for Villa of late, as they have suffered just one defeat in their last six matches against the Villans in all competitions.
Conclusion
The break may have come at a good time for the home side, as it gave them a chance to regroup and start with a clean slate. The Blades have not found wins easy to come by. We are backing this game to finish in a tight, low-scoring draw.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 12/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will enhance their chances of achieving their league objectives at Villa Park?
