There are a couple of Premier League games to complete the midweek fixture list, starting with Aston Villa hosting Burnley at Villa Park.
Villa have been one of the surprises of the season, and could actually climb to second position in the league if they win their three games in hand. That said, their home form has been the weaker of the two and they are in danger of losing four consecutive Premier League home matches for the first time since April 2016.
Burnley come into the game on the back of a morale-boosting victory over Arsenal. The return of Ben Mee in defence has seen a reversal in the club’s fortunes – excluding the 5-0 defeat at Manchester City, Burnley have conceded just one goal and taken eight points in the other four matches the central defender has started.
Villa are odds on to win tonight, but we think this creates an excellent opportunity to side with Burnley. We’ll take the 4/1 on offer for an away win.
The late game sees Sheffield United take on Manchester United at Bramall Lane.
The Blades have taken just one point out of a possible 18 at home in the league this season, while Manchester United have won all five of their away league matches this season, the only top-flight side with a 100% away record.
This all points towards an away win. We agree, but think Manchester United are too short to look at an outright bet, particularly with their habit of conceding first. Instead we’re going to look at the cards market.
Sheffield United are now eight points adrift of the team in fourth from bottom, they need to start collecting points and will soon be getting very nervous. They may leave themselves open to counterattack in their desperation for a win, resulting in tactical fouls.
John Lundstram has been booked three times already this season, plays in midfield, and could incur the wrath of referee Michael Oliver, a man who has dished out 15 cards across the last three games that he has taken charge of.
Recommendations:
Aston Villa/Burnley: Burnley to win, 1 pt, at 4/1, Unibet
Sheffield United/Manchester United: Lundstram to be booked, 1 pt, at 9/2, William Hill
