Aston Villa v Olympiacos

Aston Villa v Olympiakos Preview

Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Chelsea in the Premier League on the weekend which has extended fourth placed Villa's lead over fifth placed Tottenham to a seven-point margin and also the hosts' unbeaten sequence in all competitions to six games overall as well, while Olympiakos recorded an emphatic 4-1 home win against Lamia in the Greek Super League, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games.

Prior to that point earned against Chelsea, Aston Villa had chalked up four wins on the trot which included a win on penalties against French Ligue 1 outfit Lille in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League along with Premier League victories against Arsenal and Bournemouth as well, so Unai Emery's side will be in confident mood ahead of Thursday night's 1st leg clash in the west midlands.

The bigger picture shows Aston Villa have suffered just two defeats in their last 15 games overall in all competitions which came in the form of losses to Tottenham and Manchester City but the hosts have also picked up nine wins in the process as well.

Goals also look likely to occur on Thursday night as 11 of Villa's last 15 matches overall have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

Olympiakos face a tough 1st leg tie away from home at Premier League hosts, Aston Villa, but the Greek visitors will also fancy their chances of producing a positive result here on Thursday night as they have collected six wins out of their last seven unbeaten games in all competitions.

Domestic victories in the Greek Super League over the likes of Aris, Lamia (twice) and PAOK along with a win on penalties against Turkish outfit Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals of the EUFA Conference League will also give Jose Luis Mendilibar's side plenty of confidence ahead of this upcoming trip to the west midlands on Thursday night.

However, in the previous Round of last 16 in the Conference League, Olympiakos made hard work of disposing of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv as the Greek side were dealt a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at home in the 1st leg and then needed extra-time in order to progress through which on one hand was highly commendable that they came through but that results also highlighted their potential vulnerability as well.

Goals also look likely though on Thursday night as seven of Olympiakos' last 10 matches in all competitions have produced three goals or more.

Aston Villa v Olympiakos Verdict

The goals market should be the first priority for this upcoming 1st leg clash but Aston Villa for the straight win on the night also appeals as the hosts are enjoying a solid period of results.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Aston Villa win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.10

Correct Score: Aston Villa 3-1 @ 12.00