iBet: Aston Villa will be happy with a draw against West Ham

Premier League

West Ham v Aston Villa, Saturday, kick off 3pm

Lay Aston Villa at 2.5 to 1 with Betfair

Although Villa do have quite a good record against West Ham, I think they will be very happy to come away with a draw on Saturday given the euphoria that’s likely to be buzzing around Upton Park. Only Stoke scored fewer goals than Villa last season and although they have Darren Bent back, they have lost key forwards Gaby Agbonlahor and Marc Albrighton, plus defensive linchpin Richard Dunne, all to pre-season injuries. Villa were the worst team in the top flight at set-pieces last season, and West Ham’s 33 goals from set pieces last season was the best in the Championship. With the draw a winner for us, the value bet is to lay the Midlanders, who have picked up only 15 points from 19 Premier League games since the turn of the year and not won any of their last eight at this level.

Advices

Robin Van Persie has been heavily backed to be Premier League top scorer following news that he is to move to Manchester United – he’s now 8/1 from 12s. My 40-1 tip Lukas Podolski now looks set to spearhead Arsenal’s attack and although he’s been backed into 33-1, that still looks an each way bet. Ladbrokes have a special offer if you bet with them in this market that each time your selection scores a Premier League hat-trick this season, you will receive a free bet to match your stake up to £50.

Betfair gives you better value. To see how much more you can win go towww.betfair.com/betchecker

Recent Posts on Sport

• New day (slowly) rising - As Brasileirão gets underway, Brazilian football stumbles, rather than leaps into the future
• iBet: Mercedes and Hamilton to roar in Monaco
• On The Road at the Giro d'Italia: It sounds sadistic, but the team live for the mountain stages
• iBet: Rose has the ammunition for Wentworth
• Brits on fire in the wet at Le Mans!