Aston Villa vs Preston Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Villa are now 10 points off the play-off places after a poor start to 2017 and things won’t necessarily get any better here. Preston will have been buoyed by their shock win over Brighton last weekend and having already got the better of Villa this term, will head South believing they can get a result.

There is plenty of reason to support that too. Villa were always going to be hampered by the AFCON this season and although it’s only really the absence of top scorer Jonathan Kodjia that is being felt, they’ve looked inept in front of goal without him. A front two that consists of a misfiring Ross McCormack and a Gabby Agbonlahor who looks well past his best, isn’t exactly going to strike fear into this Preston defence.

Villa are yet to score in 2017 and average just 1 goal per game in the Championship this season, which isn’t anywhere near good enough for a side with promotion ambitions. Although they do boast the division’s only unbeaten home record, 50% of their Championship matches at Villa Park have finished level and Preston will certainly believe they can get a result.

They also have numerous players and staff returning to the Birmingham club and they may have something of a point to prove. One of those is Callum Robinson, who came through the ranks at Villa but rarely got a first-team opportunity and was sold to Preston last summer. With goals in each of his last 2 games, he returns to his former club in good form and backing Robinson to score anytime at 4/1 looks to offer really good value.

Preston have done pretty well on their travels this season. They’ve won 42% of their away games and have avoided defeat in 67% of them. Their points per game average of 1.5 away from home is exactly the same as their record at Deepdale. With Villa really struggling for creativity and goals, backing Double Chance – Draw or Preston at 4/5 looks a decent punt here.