West Bromwich Albion - Aston Villa Betting Preview: Backing goals at both ends can be the path to profit

Jan 18, 2013 12:30:00 PM

Paul Lambert's men have endured some dreadful results recently but Willie Duncan is backing them to at least find the net against the Baggies at the Hawthorns

Aston Villa slipped into the relegation zone following last weekend’s home defeat at the hands of Southampton Paul Lambert’s men will be desperately seeking a return to form when they face bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

Villa have endured a dreadful run of results, having lost five of their last seven matches in all competitions, including an 8-0 humiliation against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and a 3-1 reverse at Valley Parade against League Two Bradford City in the Capital One Cup.

It is little wonder, then, that West Bromwich Albion are chalked up at just 6/10 (1.60) with William Hill to inflict more misery on Paul Lambert’s side by claiming the derby spoils on Saturday.

Villa are available at 18/5 (4.60) with William Hill to recapture the form that saw them defeat Liverpool at Anfield just last month while the same firm go 13/5 (3.60) that the match ends in a draw.

In-form Baggies striker Romelu Lukaku, who has netted three goals in his last two Premier League appearances, is chalked up at just 7/2 (4.50) to expose Villa’s defensive frailties and score the opening goal of the game this weekend.

If Villa are to get back to winning ways, they will likely rely heavily on Lukaku’s fellow countryman, Christian Benteke.

The Belgium international is Villa’s top scorer with nine goals in all competitions this season and he is available at a tempting 13/2 (7.50) to score first on Saturday while the same firm offer a juicy 9/4 (3.25) that Benteke scores at any time.

Given that the Baggies have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 outings in all competitions, that appears to be an outstanding offer while the 8/11 (1.73) quote from William Hill for both teams to score also looks to be hugely appealing and should be snapped up accordingly this weekend.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both teams to score at 8/11 (1.73) with William Hill

Christian Benteke to score at any time at 9/4 (3.25) with William Hill

Sign up with William Hill for a £25 free bet

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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