After a poor start to the season, Aston Villa finally got their first league win last weekend with an impressive 4-2 victory over Norwich. That may be just what they need to kick start their campaign and they are going to be interesting to watch over the coming weeks. Bristol City began brilliantly on the opening day, but haven’t managed to continue that run and have drawn their last two.
With Bristol City looking to get back on track and replicate their opening day performance and Aston Villa looking to get going, this should be a great match. Both teams have goals in them so we should also see plenty of action in this one.
Bristol City Form
Bristol City’s 3-1 victory over Barnsley on the opening day gave their fans hope that a mid-table finish this season would be possible. They dominated that game, took their chances well and everything was looking good at the club. Since then they have done ok, but not really kicked on and shown the same level of form.
A defeat at Birmingham was followed up with two draws, a good point away a Brentford and a poor point at home to Millwall. They will be happy with five points from their opening four games I think, although it could have been so much better.
A great 3-2 win in the EFL Cup on Tuesday against Watford will have lifted morale in the camp and we may see them play with a bit more confidence because of that this weekend. Again in this game they showed an ability to score goals and that is going to help them as the season progresses.
Aston Villa Form
Many tipped Aston Villa for promotion this season but their start has been well below what is required. Their opening day draw to Hull was disappointing, but I was happy to forgive them that on the opening day. However, since that they have been beaten 3-0 by Cardiff and 2-1 by Reading, results that are simply not good enough.
Last weekend we saw the real Aston Villa for the first time in my opinion when they finally picked up their first league win of the season. That win was a great 4-2 victory over Norwich and something that they need to build on.
Momentum continued thanks to a solid 4-1 EFL Cup victory against Wigan, and they need to carry on this weekend to make up the ground they have already lost. A couple of wins in the next two games and the future will look very different at Aston Villa.
Team News
The biggest positive so far for Bristol City has been their ability to score goals. This has been thanks to the play of record signing Famara Diedhiou and his attacking partner Bobby Reid. Both will continue to be vital in Bristol City’s play and they need to keep up what has been a great start for them personally.
After many changes to the team, Aston Villa finally found the winning formula last weekend and the main man involved was Conor Hourihane. He started his first games last weekend in the league and scored a hat trick to bag Villa their first win. He has a great creative force about his play and can also score goals, I expect to see him again in this one and his influence cannot be underestimated on this team.
Top Betting Tips
Aston Villa are going to be fascinating to watch over the next few games and if they can make things click they are going to make a real move up the table. It is very difficult to get a grip on them right now but while the uncertainty around them continues, they will always be a good price to back.
This weekend is no different and I am happy to back Aston Villa at the prices on offer. They are 2/1 to win the game with William Hill and Stan James and if they are on their way back, they should be nowhere near that price. Bristol City can score goals and have shown promise, but they are a team expected to finish in the bottom half, while Aston Villa are expected to challenge for promotion.
Backing Aston Villa right now is a risk because we don’t know where they are at, but at 2/1 I think they offer value, even in the circumstances that they are currently in. If the Villa revival continues, the 2/1 is going to look a great price.