Aston Villa - Manchester United Betting Preview: Goals at Villa Park but could Hernandez have last say?

Aston Villa - Manchester United Betting Preview: Goals at Villa Park but Hernandez could have the final say

Nov 9, 2012 1:00:00 PM

Adam Bate expects goals at both ends in Saturday's game at Villa Park and believes United's Mexican striker could be the difference for Sir Alex Ferguson's side again

With Manchester City and Chelsea both playing on Sunday, Manchester United have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points when they visit Aston Villa on Saturday.

Although there is a perception that United have looked vulnerable this season, their record remains remarkably impressive having won 13 of their 16 matches so far.

And Sir Alex Ferguson will be confident of picking up a seventh away win from their last eight games when they go to Villa Park.

Manchester United are 1/2 (1.50) favourites with William Hill to claim the three points on Saturday evening. The draw is available at 3/1 (4.00).

Although a share of the points would be a good result for Paul Lambert’s side, their ambitions have been slightly raised after winning consecutive games for the first time since August 2011.

Villa are 4/1 (5.00) outsiders with William Hill to claim a shock win and further boost morale going into another two challenging games against Manchester City and Arsenal later this month.

If that is to happen then Gabriel Agbonlahor could be key. He scored the only goal last time out against Sunderland and bagged a winner against United in 2009. He is 9/1 (10.00) to score first here.

The favourite to find the breakthrough is unsurprisingly Robin van Persie, who is 11/4 (3.75) to net the opening goal.

Van Persie has six goals in his last seven but only one of those has paid out in the first goalscorer bet.

As a result, the value could be in backing Javier Hernandez as last goalscorer at 5/1 (6.00) with William Hill. That has paid out in three of the last five United matches.

While that is the value option, for the pick of the bets it has to be backing goals for both sides in this one.

Only Newcastle have failed to score against United in their last 11 games, while Villa have scored in all five home games this season and should be able to breach a United defence that has still not looked convincing in recent weeks. Back both teams to score at 13/20 (1.65) with William Hill.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both teams to score at 13/20 (1.65) with William Hill

Hernandez first goalscorer at 5/1 (6.00) with William Hill

Sign up with William Hill for a £25 free bet

Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on

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