Aston Villa v Sheff Utd

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United Preview

Third placed Aston Villa know a win here at Villa Park against a beleaguered Sheffield United outfit will take them to the top of the Premier League albeit before the weekend's fixtures in the English top flight but nevertheless, the hosts head into this important clash on the back of a 2-1 win away from home at Brentford, while Sheffield United were handed another defeat in the form of a 2-0 loss away at Chelsea last Saturday.

Villa's 2-1 win at Brentford not only handed Unai Emery's side another important three points but it also extended the west midlands club's unbeaten run to six games which consists of five wins and a draw which have helped lift Aston Villa to within a point of the current league leaders, Arsenal.

Previous wins against Fulham, Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal and Brentford include some impressive victories against teams also fighting for the Premier League title while the bigger picture shows Villa have suffered just the one defeat out of their last 13 matches overall in the top flight which includes 10 wins.

However, it has been Aston Villa's form and results on home soil at Villa Park that have made the rest of the public take notice as Unai Emery's side possess an excellent 100% winning record at home, winning all eight of their home matches to date this season.

Sheffield United were unable to build upon their recent 1-0 home win against Brentford as The Blades were dealt a 2-0 defeat away from home in the nation's capital to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which became the Yorkshire club's 13th defeat in their total of 17 games played to date so far this season.

Sheffield United received a welcome boost with the arrival of former manager, Chris Wilder, returning to the club for a second stint following the departure of Paul Heckingbottom which brought about the recent win against Brentford but nevertheless, Wilder knows he has an extremely tough job on his hands if he's to keep The Blades in the Premier League.

The Blades have managed to muster just the two league wins to date this term, both of which have been recorded on home soil at Bramall Lane with victories against Wolves and Brentford but the visitors have also succumbed to a total of 13 defeats so far this term as well.

Having picked up just one point from a possible 24 to date on their travels and losing seven of their eight away games, Sheffield United once again look doomed on their travels on Friday night.

Aston Villa v Sheffield United Verdict

Aston Villa have now won their last 15 home games on the trot and the hosts should be too strong for their counterparts on Friday night as a result, especially as The Blades have failed to score in 50% of their away games.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS No @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Aston Villa win & Over 3.5 goals @ 2.30

Correct Score: Aston Villa 3-0 @ 8.00