Aston Villa v Stoke City Premier League preview

Aston Villa played a lot of backup and youth players in their defeat to CSKA Moscow on Thursday night that saw them eliminated from the UEFA Cup. Martin O’Neill didn’t want to tire his team out for what he considers a tough match this weekend.

Aston Villa

Despite working hard last season with the ambition to qualify for the UEFA Cup, when Martin O’Neill’s side successfully did so, they end up being eliminated because they didn’t put their strongest team out. So why were you so keen to qualify for the UEFA Cup last season Mr O’Neill? Either way, it’s over now and Martin O’Neill has the rest of this season to concentrate on, with no cup competitions left. Lying 4th in the table, Aston Villa would like to at least maintain their lead over Arsenal with a victory this weekend. They lost at Stoke on the 2nd day of the season when Rory Delap’s long throws were causing visiting teams havoc in the box. Stoke’s physical presence will cause problems for Villa’s attack, but we expect them to win lots of free kicks in Stoke’s half and dangerous positions this weekend, especially with the poor-balancing Ashley Young. Whilst Stoke will play for a point away from home, Aston Villa could find it difficult to break them down as they normally like to catch teams on the counter attack, but we still expect them to break down Stoke’s defence at some point.

Form (last 5 games)
WWDWL

Injuries/Suspensions
Martin Laursen
Wilfred Bouma

Stoke City

Still without an away win all season, the Potters aren’t expected to break their duck in this one either, despite beating Aston Villa earlier in the season. Just 2 points outside of relegation, Tony Pulis will be hoping his side can pull something out of the hat and pick up a point here, before a more winnable game on Wednesday night when they host Bolton. They aren’t the most attractive team to watch, home or away and we expect them to do their usual on the road and disrupt Villa’s gameplan with their physical side. James Beattie is a threat up front that Villa will need to be careful of, that Martin O’Neill will no doubt have warned his defence about. Aston Villa are one of the best teams at set pieces in the Premier League, and Stoke will need to use their height and physical advantage to good use in this one.

Form (last 5 games)
LLWLD

Injuries/Suspensions
Rory Delap (suspended)
Matthew Etherington (suspended)

Before their defeat at home to Chelsea last weekend, Villa were on a good run, whilst Stoke have been on a poor run, especially away from home (lost their last 5). We expect the home side to continue this form with a victory here.

Best bet: Aston Villa to win 4/9