STAR PREVIEW: Swansea v Aston Villa

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]ack to football on Saturday after the Gloucestershire extravaganza this week and we are back to the Premier League – but make the most of it as there’s a dreaded ‘international break’ looming.

Arsenal had a good win against Everton in the early kick-off which at least gives them a chance if Leicester or Spurs slip up but in the case of Leicester we’ve been saying that since before Christmas.

Spurs look, on paper, to have the easier task this weekend with a home tie against Bournemouth tomorrow with Leicester currently in action (and leading 1-0 at the time of writing) away to Crystal Palace.

A great derby day double header tomorrow with the crucial bottom of the table clash between Newcastle and Sunderland and Man City taking on Man U at the Etihad.

Less exciting fare for the 5.30pm kick off with Swansea taking on Aston Villa who are playing as if already doomed with five straight league losses on the bounce. Incredibly, their season started with a 1-0 away win over Bournemouth which remains their only away League victory of the season (and they’ve only had two home wins).

Swansea are by no means out of it themselves but get the chance to pull 11 points clear of the drop zone if taking all three points at the Liberty.

The Swans won the reverse fixture 2-1 in October and have a strong recent record over Villa. Head coach Francesco Guidolin said: “It will not be easy. I know this situation because I have many matches behind me and know how difficult a match like this is. My team has to play well with concentration and intensity, as if it is a final.”

Swansea City v Aston Villa
Premier League
17:30 Sky Sports 1 / Sky Sports 1 HD

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Oct 2015 PREMIER Aston Villa 1-2 Swansea
Mar 2015 PREMIER Aston Villa 0-1 Swansea
Dec 2014 PREMIER Swansea 1-0 Aston Villa
Apr 2014 PREMIER Swansea 4-1 Aston Villa
Dec 2013 PREMIER Aston Villa 1-1 Swansea
Jan 2013 PREMIER Swansea 2-2 Aston Villa
Sep 2012 PREMIER Aston Villa 2-0 Swansea
Jan 2012 PREMIER Aston Villa 0-2 Swansea
Nov 2011 PREMIER Swansea 0-0 Aston Villa
May 1983 DIV 1 (OLD) Swansea 2-1 Aston Villa

In short, I can’t see any other outcome but more misery for Villa and am backing the hosts to be in front at both half-time and full-time at around 13/8 with Star Sports.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-100 points)

BACK SWANSEA HT/FT for 12 points at 13/8 with Star Sports

Friday -18.20 points

What’s your view? CALL STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321