Prediction: Aston Villa vs Blackburn

25th February 2011

Following back to back draws against Fulham and Blackpool, Aston Villa are looking for a victory that would finally take the team away from the danger zone. Blackburn are in a similar position after picking up just one point from last three league games and Rovers could be in problems if they lose this game.

As you are probably aware, Aston Villa encountered numerous problems in the first part of the season, with Martin O’Neill’s departure and injuries to star players taking the wind out of their sails. As a result, instead of fighting for European places the Villans entered the relegation battle and are still struggling to get out of it. Nonetheless, the team have seen a major uptrend in fortunes in the new year as the Villans, reinforced with Darren Bent, improved their game and started climbing the Premiership standings. Gerard Houllier’s side were unlucky to pick up just two points from last three games, but this is a perfect opportunity for them to return to the wining ways as Blackburn have major problems outside the Ewood Park. The hosts will be without Carlos Cuellar and Jean II Makoun through injury and suspension respectively, while James Collins has also been ruled out.

Even though people expected the departure of Sam Allardyce would destabilize the team, new boss Steve Kean did a great job in replacing the Big Sam and Rovers are still doing fairly well in the league. Even after the recent poor run of results, Rovers are no less than five points clear of the relegation zone and are safe at the moment, although that could change if they fail to stop the current downtrend in form. Blackburn managed to end the three-match losing run as they shared spoils with Newcastle at Ewood Park, although that can hardly be considered a good result considering team’s results at home this season. One look at their away record will tell you Rovers don’t have much to hope for from the Aston Villa game, having lost last four away games in all competitions, including the defeat to Villa in the FA Cup. Steve Kean will be sweating over the fitness of Chris Samba, while Formica, Rochina, Hoillet and Jones remain sidelined.

Conclusion

Aston Villa have raised their form a great deal over the last few weeks and having already beaten Blackburn recently, they should be able to do it again. Rovers are pretty miserable on the travels and they are highly unlikely to get something from this game.

Verdict: Home win Aston Villa (1)

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Paddy Power