West Ham v Aston Villa: Visitors to keep a clean sheet at Upton Park

Aston Villa failed to win in October but their improved defensive away form can help them to pick up their form against West Ham.

Villa have not conceded on the road since losing to Chelsea in August and can be backed to extend this run at 11/4 to shut out a West Ham side without injured forwards Andy Carroll and Ricardo Vaz Te.

Villa’s away form has also seen them pick up seven points from a possible 12. West Ham, meanwhile, have lost three of their last four home fixtures and thus, opponents Villa look well priced at 11/5 to collect a further three points at Upton Park.

Another bet worth considering is the last player to score market. It’s Villa’s top scorer Christian Benteke that leads the betting market at 5/1, but Gabriel Agbonlahor also appeals at 9/1. The forward is yet to break his duck this season but scored the winner in the corresponding fixture in the 2010/11 campaign.

However, Villa have not won or even scored in their last three matches and West Ham do have one of the best defensive records in the league. With both teams struggling for victories, a draw represents good value at 12/5.

With neither side averaging more than a goal a game it is also worth considering the half total goal markets where a goalless first half can be found at 37/20, with a repeat in the second half priced at 27/10.

West Ham’s only recognised available forwards are Modibo Maiga, Mladen Petric and the recently re-signed Carlton Cole but none have been able to get off the mark this season. With Villa’s Benteke still finding his form following his return from injury, a goalless draw at full time perhaps represents best value at 8/1.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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