IT'S a really tough looking card tonight and having had a detailed look right through my usual French Ligue 2 matches there really isn't anything standing out.
There is one match tonight though that really takes my fancy and it's the Championship tussle between Aston Villa and Sheffield United. It's a crucial match for both sides with the visitors right in contention for automatic promotion and Villa in vital need of three points to keep their play off hopes alive.
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United (7.45pm)
It's a must-win for both these sides and I'm hoping that leads to an open game, especially given the goals record at Villa Park this season.
Nobody has seen more goals in their home games in the Championship than Villa. They've scored 34 goals which is only bettered by WBA, unfortunately for Villa fans they've seen their side concede 27 goals which is the highest in the league which criminal for a team hoping to make the play-offs.
Their inability to defend has killed their automatic promotion hopes – they certainly have no trouble scoring but defensively they are a shambles. They've conceded in 13 of their 16 home matches this season and that simply isn't good enough.
What's more concerning is it's not just one goal they are conceding, 10 teams have visited Villa Park and scored 2+ goals and with their last 8 games all going over 2.5 goals (7 of those BTTS), you have to fancy this Sheffield United side to find the net given much poorer teams have managed that feat this season.
In Billy Sharp and Danny McGoldrick they have a 30-goal strikeforce who will punish this Villa side given half a chance.
A win tonight puts them on level points with Norwich and Leeds at the top of the league and they'll fancy their chances against an unpredictable Aston Villa side.
Villa do have their own weapon in goal machine Tammy Abraham, the young striker has 19 goals this season, and has scored in his last 7 home matches (scoring 12 goals) he'll be the their main threat tonight (6/5 anytime goal scorer bet365).
This should be a cracking game, with plenty of goals, cards and corners – the last 8 meetings have all seen at least three goals and I'm taking them to make it 9.
Recommended Bets
- Over 2.5 goals
- 20/23 (Betfair) (NAP)
- 2+ goals / 9+ corners /3+ Bookings
- 11/10 (Skybet)
The French games are really tough to call tonight but still having a punt on the half-time goals and over 1.5 match goals specials at big prices for loose change (40/1 and 25/1) – its not usually far away.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Over 2.5 Goals, 1+ corners each team in each half, 20+ Aston Villa booking points and 20+ Sheffield Utd booking points
11/2 Sky RAB
Looks good mate – good luck 👍🏼
Could also be the place for cards, specifically Villa ones. The Villans should dictate the tempo of the game but likely to be vulnerable to the counter. Expect Sheffield to stretch the pitch and make use of wide positions and draw a good few fouls. Last 5 Villa homes have seen them achieve 20+BP not forgetting to mention there last 9 games in the Championship will have seen this bet home. Worth checking out team news to see who lines up at DM for Villa tonight, could be value in a player card.
Recommended Bets
Villa 20+ BP 10/11
Conor Hourihane Card 4/1
Marseille 30+BP 15/8 away at Dijon looks massive as well.
Hourihane 11/2
Jedinak starts at DM 11/4
Double pays 22/1, might come close 👍
How the f🤬🤬k has Hourihane not been carded, two massively bookwble offences in opening 15, if it was Italy or Spain he’d now be heading for an early bath 💩
10/11, 15/8 and 11/4 winners but both long shots downed the potential full house courtesy of a shitty refereeing performance.
Well done mate – really unlucky with the double, like You say if thats later on he’s off
Can’t argue with that mate 👏🏽
First half French goals is 48/1 with Ladbrokes and can cash out if need be
Thanks mate – don’t have time to check every bookies so cheers for highlighting 👍🏼
Well done with the goals bet Greg 👍
I have backed a winning NAP. Well Done Mr Browning, thanks :-)
Cheers gents – was some game