Villa to take advantage of kind first game
Dean Smith’s Premier League escapologists begin the 2020/21 season just as they resumed the last, hosting Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United who were the surprise package last term, finishing ninth having competed for the Champions League and Europa League positions for the vast majority of the campaign. After a disappointing beginning to the season, the Blades come in as narrow outsiders given their 2-0 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out alongside some exciting additions for the Villans. They will be looking to start the campaign positively and avoid the stress of a relegation battle this time around.
Background
Villa’s great escape was enhanced by a four-game unbeaten run to end the season, gaining two wins and two draws in which all matches in that period saw under 2.5 goals. Their last four league outings at Villa Park all interestingly saw a team win to nil, so seeing a both teams to score no punt come through as a winner.
Sheff U have lost their last four PL matches on the spin and there goalscoring record indicates where they have been struggling, centre back John Egan has equated for a third of their last six goals with those both coming in the final 10 minutes of games.
Transfer business
Arguably the best business of Villa’s window so far has been keeping hold of talisman Jack Grealish however they have bolstered their offense with the trio of 26 goal Championship striker Ollie Watkins, flying right back Matty Cash and the most recent in former Chelsea forward Bertrand Traore.
The latter signed from Champions League semi finalists Lyon on a deal worth just under £20million. The Burkinabe scored 33 goals in three seasons with OL and therefore should excite Villa fans, coming in to give competition for places with the likes of Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi out wide.
Prediction
Among the favourites for relegation this season Villa will find goals easier to come by, strengthening Grealish’s supporting cast, defence is still a concern but the acquisition of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal will sure things up between the sticks. United are worse off without their shot stopper Dean Henderson who returned to Old Trafford and therefore come into this one as rightful narrow outsiders.
Get on side with Aston Villa in this one as they look to carry on the momentum from their last gasp relegation escape.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Unsung hero Ezri Konsa grabbed the only goal of the game as Villa won 1-0.