Man City vs Aston Villa Odds - Barry helps Man City
Online sports betting players who follow soccer can have a tough time figuring out who will challenge the top four teams in England, and two of the top contenders will battle it out on Monday when Manchester City heads to Aston Villa. City spent a truckload of cash in the offseason, and an ex-Villa star will be the key to their victory.
Man City vs Aston Villa Odds: Man City +173; Aston Villa +182; Draw +234
- WHAT: Soccer betting
- WHEN: Monday, October 5, 3:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Villa Park, Birmingham
- KEY STAT: City has won six and drawn two of their last 10 meetings with Villa
- PICK: Man City
Man City vs Aston Villa odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
These two clubs, along with Tottenham, are the most likely to break into the “Big Four”, and City holds a three-point advantage over Villa in the standings. City has also won six of their last 10 against Villa, but lost 4-2 last season at Villa Park.
Man City vs Aston Villa odds maker breakdown: Offense
City has a lot of firepower up front with Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tevez, but the key is Emmanuel Adebayor, who returns from suspension. Shaun Wright-Phillips is a threat down the right, but having Robinho back would boost their sportsbook chances even further. Villa has scored the fewest goals among the top eight clubs, and Gaby Agbonlahor leads the way with four, but they’d do well to get a couple more goals out of Ashley Young and James Milner Betting Edge: Man City
Man City vs Aston Villa odds maker breakdown: Defense
Kolo Toure and Gareth Barry have started every match for City, and they’ve taken over the defense. Toure has replaced Richard Dunne as the No.1 defender, while Barry does a fantastic job for City (and England) shielding the back four. But this will be Barry’s first match since leaving Villa Park in the summer: it’ll be interesting to see how he handles the crowd abuse he’ll take. Villa has allowed the fewest goals in the Premiership, and new pickup Carlos Jimenez Cuellar is the only defender to start all six league matches for Villa. He’s joined by ex-City captain Dunne, who would love nothing better than to shut down his former club. Betting Edge: Aston Villa
Man City vs Aston Villa odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Stephen Ireland (virus) continues his injury-plagued campaign, but there’s still a chance he could play. Robinho (ankle) will be out for at least three more weeks. Steve Sidwell (thigh) and Luke Young (thigh) are both very doubtful for Monday’s clash. Betting Edge: Aston Villa
Man City vs Aston Villa odds maker breakdown: Totals
Four of their last 10 meetings have gone under the posted total, and last year’s meeting at Villa Park ended in a 4-2 scoreline for the home team. Adebayor’s return to the squad boosts City’s chances for a goal, but the Villa defense is very tough. Betting Edge: UNDER 2.5
Man City vs Aston Villa odds betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This is a prototypical matchup of offense against defense, but City has the defensive strength to match its offensive production. If you can shut down Agbonlahor, you’ve got a great chance to beat Villa, and City has the tools to do so, especially with Barry in midfield. Look for City to snatch a sports betting win away from home. TODD’S PICK: Man City +173
For more soccer betting picks and tips, bookmark Todd in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to BetOnline.com.
