Atkinson tips Villa for end of season winning spree
Published:Ron Atkinson is tipping Aston Villa to win over half of their final seven games of the Premier League season to safely stave off the threat of relegation.
Despite the apparent quality of their squad, which includes England internationals Darren Bent, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, Villa currently find themselves hovering just two points above the bottom three.
This position and the fact they have won just five of their last 25 Premier League games has led many punters to believe they offer the best value in the relegation market.
Villa are 11/2 in the Premier League odds to be relegated to the Championship this season and they still have some tricky games remaining.
Alongside an away clash with title contenders Arsenal, they still have some of their leading relegations rivals to face, including West Ham and West Brom.
However, former manager Atkinson is in no doubts that they will stay up, particularly after their recent away draw at in-form Everton.
Atkinson told the Birmingham Mail: “I’ve maintained all along I just cannot see it happening and getting that result at Everton on Saturday was the clearest symbol so far that it will not.
“I believe we will see them pick up four or five victories before the season is over to leave Villa fans wondering what all the fuss was about.”
Villa host Newcastle next in the Premier League and will have a point to prove after their humiliating 6-0 defeat at St James’ Park earlier in the season.
Aston Villa’s odds are 5/6 to beat Newcastle, with a victory liable to give them some breathing space from the drop.
However, a defeat could see them slip into the relegation places and it is 10/3 that Newcastle leave Villa Park with the three points.
A £20 stake on Aston Villa being relegated would return £110. New customers can sign up here to take advantage of free bets totalling up to £60.
