Aston Villa vs Blackburn – Hosts have the cup advantage
Published:Aston Villa cannot seem to avoid Blackburn in cup competitions in recent seasons, but this is no bad thing as the upper hand they hold is likely to continue in the fourth round of this season’s FA Cup.
Match Odds
Villa have now been drawn against Blackburn in the FA Cup and Carling Cup in each of the last two seasons and have progressed each time in the previous three clashes.
FA Cup betting odds have Aston Villa at 4/5 to beat Blackburn again, with their improvement in form in the Premier League in recent weeks giving them further grounds for optimism.
Blackburn, who are 10/3 to triumph, may take some confidence from the fact that they have won their last three league fixtures with Aston Villa and that the hosts have only won one of their last 11 FA Cup ties with other Premier League outfits.
However, they have lost their last two games on the road and will probably be content with a draw that would ensure a replay at Ewood Park, which is priced at 13/5.
Over/Under 2.5 goals
Although Gerard Houllier’s team will be without Darren Bent, there is every reason to suggest that a goal fest will take place at Villa Park.
Villa have only managed one clean sheet in their last 16 FA Cup ties, while the last four cup clashes between the pair have witnessed 19 goals scored.
It is 5/6 in the betting that over 2.5 goals are scored, which appears far better value than the same price on the encounter seeing a maximum of two goals scored.
Alternatively, punters may prefer to play it safer and accept the 2/7 that at least two goals are scored.
A £25 stake on Aston Villa beating Blackburn 3-1 would return £300. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
