SlipsTips examines the Bet Builder market ahead of Aston Villa’s clash with Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Saturday, 17:30)
Aston Villa and Chelsea will square off in the Premier League at Villa Park on Saturday evening.
Unai Emery’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich last Saturday before playing out an action-packed 2-2 draw with Liverpool in midweek.
As for Chelsea, their form has fallen off a cliff since Christmas, with the Blues winning just two of their last nine Premier League matches.
Over 0 Aston Villa Goals
I’ll get the Bet Builder underway by backing Aston Villa to score at least once on Saturday evening. Emery’s team tend to make their mark more often than not when playing in front of their own supporters, evidenced by the fact that they have scored in 12 of 14 their Premier League home games this season, including each of their last 10. On top of that, Villa have struck in seven of their eight home games in both continental and domestic cup competitions this season.
That doesn’t bode well for a Chelsea side that have failed to silence their opponents in 21 of their 25 Premier League assignments this season, including nine of their last 10 top-flight tussles away from Stamford Bridge.
John McGinn Over 0.5 Fouls Committed
For the first of two player-based selections, I’ll go with John McGinn to commit a minimum of one foul during this dust-up. The Aston Villa skipper is averaging 1.27 fouls per-game in the Premier League this season, committing at least one foul in nine of his last 11 top-flight outings.
With McGinn likely to cross paths with Cole Palmer this weekend, there is plenty of scope for that foul pattern to continue. The Chelsea ace is drawing an average of 2.04 fouls per 90 when on Premier League duty for the Blues this season.
Marc Cucurella Over 0.5 Fouls Committed
Moving onto the final leg of the Bet Builder, I’ll look to Marc Cucurella to commit at least one foul during this tea time tussle. With six yellow cards and one red card to his name already in the Premier League this term, it would be fair to say that Chelsea left-back's love of a strong tackle has often landed him in trouble with referees this season.
That card return has coincided with Cucurella averaging 1.13 fouls per-game. Expect to see that trend continue here given the pace and flair that Aston Villa possess in forward areas.
- Over 0 Aston Villa Goals
- John McGinn Over 0.5 Fouls Committed
- Marc Cucurella Over 0.5 Fouls Committed
- Bet Builder – 1/1 (Bet 365)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
