Aston Villa vs Blackburn

26/1- The only match of the weekend and this would turn out to be a stunner of one. Both teams have been in tremendous form and have drawn their previous matches against tough oppositions. While Aston Villa would be playing at home and Blackburn away from home both the teams would be at their strengths as Villa have been good at home while Blackburn have shown better performances traveling. Aston Villa are currently placed 6^th on the points table while Blackburn are a couple of placed behind at 8^th however the difference is just 3 points. Looking at the last match played between these two sides at the same venue, the home side seems to be the one with the edge as they won 2-0 on that occasion. Also in the first half of this season, Villa thrashed out Blackburn 4-0 while playing at Blackburn’s home ground.

 

Aston villa have had a tough tie last week and they managed to draw the match against Liverpool, this however has been a good preparation for the forthcoming matches and the team should be correctly prepared for the tie against Blackburn. Also Villa will be aware of the fact that a win here would take them to 4^th spot on the table which in a way will enhance their chances of competing in the European competitions next year. In form of Agbonlahor, Lauren and Carew, Villa have the ammunition to blast of any side on their day and the home fans would be looking for something of that sort from their team.

 

Blackburn would be prepared for another tough tie after they had a close match against Middlesbrough last week. Santa Cruz and McCarthy are the two players the team would expect the goals from. They would also try and get a positive result from this match as they also have a realistic chance of making to the European championships next year.

 

Prediction: 3-2, Aston Villa win