ASTON VILLA looked dead and buried a few weeks ago but have timed their great escape to perfection and head into the final game at West Ham as favourites to stay up.
After going 11 games without a win in all competitions, Dean Smith's men have taken seven points from their last three matches to jump out of the drop zone at the best possible time.
Just one goal separates them from third-bottom Watford while Bournemouth could jump above both if they win at Everton and their rivals crash to defeats.
Yet the bookies can't see that happening, with the Cherries 1/25 with Bet365 to be relegated, Watford 1/3 with Paddy Power to join them and Villa as big as 9/4 with Betway to take the drop.
It's easy to see why the market is priced that way, with the Hornets in disarray after Nigel Pearson's sacking and facing a tough final game away to Arsenal.
Villa are also helped by the fact West Ham are now safe, having secured the point they needed to secure survival in a surprise 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
David Moyes' men might take their foot of the gas a little but they are in excellent form, having also taken seven points from their last three league games.
Many people thought this game would be a thrilling shoot-out for survival but it's now only Villa who need a win to guarantee their place in the top flight.
How the bookies view it
Aston Villa are the favourites for this one at a best 14/11 with VBet which is probably down to the fact they need a result. West Ham are as big as 41/18 with the same firm and that might tempt a few punters after their impressive recent displays.
The draw is 13/5 with most firms and I wouldn't rule that out as it might be enough to secure survival for Villa.
Recent head to head
Honours have been even in this fixture of late, with the last 10 meetings producing four draws and three wins apiece. The last two games at Villa Park have ended in draws, including a dreary 0-0 stalemate earlier this season.
West Ham won 2-0 against Villa when they last met in London at their old stadium Upton Park in 2016 (below) and haven't lost at home in this fixture since a 2-1 defeat in 2011.
Players to watch
Michail Antonio delivered for me when I tipped him to score against Norwich and Watford then followed it up by netting a penalty at Old Trafford in midweek.
The striker is in the form of his life, with eight goals in six games, so I'm surprised to see him as big as 2/1 with Paddy Power to score here. That looks incredible value.
Trezeguet has stepped up for Villa when it matters, following up his double against Crystal Palace with that priceless winner in midweek when Arsenal came calling.
The Egyptian looks overpriced here at 14/5 with BetVictor for anytime scorer while midfielder John McGinn also appeals at 17/5 with Betfred.
Anything else catch the eye?
This hasn't been a thrilling fixture in recent seasons, with the last seven meetings all producing under 2.5 goals. With so much at stake for Villa it could be tense again and under 2.5 strikes pays a decent 13/10 with BetVictor.
Betting against a goal in each half could also pay off. That bet has come up in eight of the last nine games between these sides and it's priced 5/4 at Paddy Power here.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Aston Villa will be played on Jul 26, 2020 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
