Aston Villa vs Burton Albion
English League Championship
Date: Saturday, 3rd February 2018
Kick-off at 15:00 UK/ 16:00 CET
Venue: Villa Park (Birmingham).
The fact Aston Villa and Burton Albion are in the same division is one of the biggest quirks in English football right now but on current form, there’s every chance there will be two leagues separating these teams next year with Villa still boasting a 100% league record in 2018 while Burton have really started to slide.
Villa secured a massive three points on Tuesday night as they went to Bramall Lane and secured a last gasp 1-0 victory. While they at times had to sustain heavy pressure from the Blades, it was a performance that showed there is real character in this Villa side and they have players that are always capable of pulling something out the bag.
They added Lewis Grabban on loan on deadline day to strengthen their attacking options. Only two men have scored more Championship goals this season than Grabban so it represents something of a coup with numerous other clubs keen but he may have to wait for his first start.
Whatever eleven Villa put out here, they should have too much for Burton Albion as they seek a sixth straight league win. One man who will almost certainly start is Robert Snodgrass and the midweek match-winner now has 4 goals in his last 5 appearances, which makes backing Snodgrass to score anytime look a pretty tempting option here at long odds for a player of Premier League quality.
The less said about Burton right now the better, with the Brewers currently in the midst of a dreadful run which has seen them concede 12 goals in their last 3 matches, losing the lot by at least a 2 goal margin. They’ve sunk to the foot of the table as a result and it’s safe to say they won’t make the short trip to Birmingham with a great deal of optimism.
The Brewers have at least made moves into the loan market with former Villa striker Darren Bent their most high-profile new addition. They could really do with him to make an impact but he’s likely to get few chances here in a side that averages just 0.64 goals per game on the road in the league this term.
They also have the worst overall defensive record, with 1.9 per game conceded and a rampant Villa side should take full advantage of that here. Overall backing Aston Villa -1 Handicap looks a solid bet in what should be quite a one-sided game of football with a significant gulf in class existing between the two teams.
Aston Villa vs Burton: Head-to-head
Aston Villa have 5 straight victories in the league
Villa have 4 clean sheets in their last 5 league games
Aston Villa are unbeaten against Burton – 3 victories and 1 draw
Burton have 4 straight defeats
Last game at Villa park finished 2-1 for the home side
Aston Villa vs Burton: Predictions
Aston Villa need the points here and should get them in front of home crowd. The team looks stable currently and picking all the points should be their only aim for the game. Burton are not such a bad visitor but Villa should seize the prize.
Villa is excellent defensive and shouldn’t have much problems to keep another clean sheet. Their defensive line has plenty of experience and class. They won’t be under huge pressure and Burton will hardly find the net.
Aston Villa vs Burton: Bet Tips
Aston Villa to win at 1.46
BTTS: No at 1.62.
