Aston Villa vs Bristol City Predictions

There’s a massive playoff showdown in the Championship on Saturday, as Aston Villa host Bristol City. These two are in fifth and sixth place respectively, each making a strong run for a spot in the playoffs. They are hoping to get over the line in the coming weeks, but who will edge into fifth and avoid a clash with either Leeds or Sheffield United? This clash will go a long way to deciding that, especially for Aston Villa. The hosts have played a game more than the Robins, so a victory for them is a must.

The hosts are coming off a brilliant run of form which has sent them into the top six picture. They have recorded seven wins on the bounce going into this one, with Dean Smith set to take them from mid-table into the playoffs. He took over from Steve Bruce and inherited a side who were down on their luck. However, the club seem to be in much better shape now. They have plenty of players left over from their run to the playoff final last season, so promotion has to be the aim. Can they build on their great momentum and make a charge for the top flight?

Bristol City are another side who are all about momentum. They opened 2019 with a string of wins, while they are coming into this one on the back of three victories in four matches. The Robins will be coming to Villa Park as outsiders, but they have earned the majority of their points on the road this season. There’s little reason for concern for them coming into this one, especially after beating Middlesbrough and Sheffield United in their previous two away games in the Championship.

The Robins race into this one having scored in their last eight away clashes, which should see them notch against Aston Villa. They’ve scored in 84% of their league away trips this season, while they are averaging 1.42 goals per away match – which is a better record than they have at home. The Robins have the league’s fifth-best away record, while they are out to trouble a Villa side who have conceded 33 times in 20 home matches.

The hosts do have issues at the back, but they are a force going forward. With 75 goals this season, Villa are formidable attacking side. Only two sides have scored more than them this season, while the Villains have seen both teams score in 70% of their home league games so far. With the home side scoring at least twice in 12 of their last 13 at Villa Park, we expect goals. We’re backing both teams to score in this one, while we also expect Villa to keep their winning run going.