Aston Villa - Man Utd
Villa have very good home record (3W, 2D, 1L), but they actually haven’t faced any of the top sides so far. Their wins came against bottom two Blackburn - Wigan and Norwich, drew vs. Wolves and the Toon and lost against West Brom. They’ve noticed only one point of last five matches and have terrible record against Utd, as they won only once of their last 31 league meetings (21W, 9D, 1L).
Man Utd had a poor week, but think I can find few excuses. Against Valencia, back four was mixed which resulted with two goals in the back of the net. Toon were saving their heads and somehow took a point, while elimination from Cup with youngsters was only a slap that needs a reaction and could only be helpful for this bet. Villa Park is happy place to go for Ferguson, as they won more points in Premier only at Goodison.
Expect much improved performance from United and easier win than expected.
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Bristol City - Middlesbrough
The Robins are at poor 20th position, but since Derek McInnes took the charge they have been playing like born again. Undefeated in six in league (4W, 2D) with few really impressive displays. They resisted at West Ham, won at the Den against Millwall and defeated league leaders S’ton in a game where the Saints were on back foot for entire game. They regained self confidence and with the potential they obviously posses, I expect more good games and climbing on the table.
‘Boro made a good start of the season, but their form recently has been going in the opposite direction than the Robins’. They’re winless in last three matches and in last five on the road, defeated only poor old Donny.
I expect City to win this one and to continue a great run, but simply (regardless how much I’ve been trying) cannot exclude a possibility of a draw.
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Bet: B.City 0.0Odd: 1.98 (Ladbrokes)
Stake: 7/10
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Burnley booked their ticket to Championship long time ago. Their Premiership story came to end when Owen Coyle left the club. Everything after that have been just torturing the fans. Chairman Barry Kilby said, thankfully to this season they won’t have any financial worries in next 10 years. If it was a target, ok then. Regarding their performances, without Coyle they’re just an average Championship squad. With new manager, Brian Laws (have picked up just 7 points from a possible 48 since he took the charge) they’re even less than that. They stopped winning at home, while on the road have 16 defeats of 18 games (goal difference 16-50)! Haven’t noticed a clean sheet in 25 games and need to concede against Brum to equal Wimbledon's Premier League record from 11 years ago. Defender Clarke Carlisle is absent again. 
Portsmouth 2-4 Aston Villa
The Villains took only two points from last three games on the road (Blackburn Rovers 1-2, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 and Everton 1-1), but still hold a high position in Premier and win at East London would launch them on place number four. Champions League spot is a target for Villa in last few years and tonight could be only the additional motive. However, Villa look in not so good shape lately (after win over 
Considering players individual qualities, City probably have the best squad in League. £200m summer outlay brought a league start over the expectations. Five wins and unlucky defeat against city rivals from opening six rounds. Mark Hughes is doing a great work and only question is are they capable to keep this pace. Their weakest link is defence line, also. Micah Richards on right flank, despite his obvious talent, lacks in concentration and sometimes makes a mess in front the goal (two goals against United were a result of that). Toure and Lescott maybe worth invested money in them, but they as a central duo need some time playing together to achieve safety in back line. However, I don’t expect City will attack in waves and they’ll have a help from midfield. And here we come to the main advantage for Sky Blue’s. Wright-Phillips, Barry, Ireland (second most important player in the team) and Petrov should make the advantage in midfield and feed with balls their attackers. Emmanuel Adebayor (first most important player) who has scored in all four of his league matches for City returned to the team and will be the main threat. Bellamy and Tevez have been playing in a great shape and the question is who will stay on the bench tonight (I guess Tevez). 
