Aston Villa 1/2 to beat Walsall in Wednesday’s friendly matchup

Competition: Friendly

Market: Aston Villa win

Odds: 1/2 @ Bet 365

Looking to keep up their recent momentum before making their Premier League return next month, Aston Villa will travel to League Two outfit Walsall on Wednesday night.

Starting with the hosts, after suffering a 2-1 loss away at Notts County last weekend, Walsall still appear to be suffering a hangover from last season. Losing their League One status on the final weekend of fixtures and making a return to England’s fourth-tier, Darrell Clarke’s men have recorded just a single victory since the end of April with that sole victory coming against non-league Nuneaton Borough earlier in the month. Much like last year, a huge part of Walsall’s continued struggles during pre-season has come down to their defensive issues. Shipping a pair of goals away at Meadow Lane last time out, Wednesday’s hosts have managed to record just a pair of clean sheets since the 9th of March.

As for the visitors, already spending over £100million this summer and with a Premier League return fast approaching, the mood in Aston Villa’s camp continues to soar. With Scott Hogan’s winner securing the Clarets a 1-0 win away at Shrewsbury last weekend, former Brentford boss Dean Smith has seen his side enjoy a five-match winning run, including their play-off final victory over Derby at Wembley back in May. With expectations high around the Midlands following their top-flight return, Wednesday’s guests should be confident of keeping up their momentum when they make the trip to across town in midweek.

Bet: Aston Villa 1/2 to beat Walsall in Wednesday’s friendly matchup @ Bet 365