Premier League Preview

Aston Villa v Stoke Saturday, 3.00pm

 

Aston Villa’s assistant manager Gary McAllister will be in charge on Saturday, after Gerard Houllier’s bad health has seen him hospitalized. Having come on and scored against West Ham Gabby Agbonlahor is looking for a recall.

Abdoulaye Faye could play for the first time since early February having regained full fitness, whilst Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is expected to start in goal.

Aston Villa have won their last two league fixtures and have led at half-time in three of their past five home matches whilst Stoke have won just once in seven games and their players could have their minds on their upcoming FA Cup final.

The home side are a generous 10/11 to win and 6/5 to be leading at half-time, meanwhile Stoke are 7/2 to pull off a shock. When it comes to goals, Darren Bent is 7/2 to score first and Ashley Young is 2s to score at anytime.

 

Sunderland v Wigan Saturday, 3.00pm

 

Sunderland have a lot of doubts with key players Kieran Richardson, Sulley Muntari, Danny Welbeck and Anton Ferdinand are all doubtful with injuries.

Wigan will have Maynor Figueroa missing as he completes his suspension, Roberto Martinez is expected to name the same side that beat Blackpool at they continue to try and move up the table.

Sunderland have picked up just one point from their last nine league fixtures and have failed to net in five of their past six games. The Stadium of Light is usually a fortress but this season the Black Cats have only won six of their 16 home matches this season.

Even with Sunderland’s poor run Wigan are an interesting 3s to win whilst the home side are 23/20, with goals likely to be at their premium odds of  4/6 for under 2.5 goals is worth backing.

 

Blackburn v Man City Monday, 8.00pm

 

Steve Kean expects forward Junior Hoilett to return after missing the defeat by Everton, Keith Andrews is back to full fitness and should is likely to play. Roque Santa Cruz is ineligible because of loan players cannot play their parent clubs.

Manchester City are still missing the inspirational Carlos Tevez as well as defender Micah Richards, other than that Roberto Mancini has not got any new injury problems.

Blackburn are winless in nine league games but have been level at the break in seven of the matches, making odds of 4s for it be a draw at half-time and for Manchester City to win very appealing.

Manchester City are evens to win is well worth backing, theyhave lost their last three league away games but that was against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.