Millwall - Aston Villa Betting Preview: Few goals in store at the Den as struggling Villa face the Lions

Millwall - Aston Villa Betting Preview: Few goals in store at the Den

Jan 24, 2013 5:00:00 PM

Paul Lambert's side will be wary of another cup upset when they take on Kenny Jackett's Lions, and Jamie Dickenson is backing a tight game that could end in a draw

Aston Villa travel to Millwall for the FA Cup Fourth Round after suffering midweek disappointment in the Capital One Cup against Bradford City, who knocked them out in the semi-final.

The pressure is on Paul Lambert's side to recover quickly from that dramatic setback, and Paddy Power prices the visitors at 15/8 (2.88) for victory at the Den.

Those odds may appear decent for a Premier League team against a Championship outfit, but Villa look dreadfully short of confidence and have won just two of their last nine games.

Millwall, despite a recent dip in form, are doing well in the second tier overall-currently sitting ninth-just five points off the play-off spots - and will be hoping to utilise their home advantage in this Friday night cup clash.

The reason this FA Cup tie is taking place on Friday evening and not on the weekend, as is usual tradition, is because major demonstrations against cuts at Lewisham Hospital - near the stadium - are going ahead from midday on Saturday.

The Lions have won seven of their last 11 fixtures on their own patch, and can be backed for victory here at 7/5 (2.40).

However, Burnley dispatched Kenny Jackett's side 2-0 at the Den last weekend to suggest backing Millwall to defeat Villa might be risky.

A replay would probably do for both teams, and therefore the draw - available at 12/5 (3.40) - looks a good choice for the value bet.

The best bet appears to be backing few goals - with Villa struggling in front of goal and Millwall very much missing the finishing abilities of 11-goal Chris Wood, who switched to promotion candidates Leicester at the turn of the year.

Five of the last seven games at the Den have seen two goals or less, and backing another goal-shy encounter here with under 2.5 goals coming in looks meaty at evens (2.0).

It promises to be a frosty fixture in South Bermondsey, and while a cup upset could be on the cards, backing a tense affair should ensure dividends are reaped from this match.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Under 2.5 goals at evens (2.00) with Paddy Power

Draw at 12/5 (3.40) with Paddy Power

Jamie Dickenson is a 22-year-old freelance journalist who specialises in football, sports and betting.

More of his work can be found here - and you can also follow Jamie on

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