West Ham v Aston Villa
Saturday 18 August, KO 15.00

The claret and blue derby is probably the toughest opening day fixture to predict. West Ham are newly promoted but have an experienced Premier League manager in the form of Sam Allardyce, who has been busy in the summer. Villa on the other hand were almost relegated last season, but have a renewed sense of confidence after replacing ousted manager Alex McLeish with Paul Lambert.

Match Odds (BWIN)

West Ham 6/5
Draw 9/4
Aston Villa 9/4

At over 2/1 Villa may represent some value but probably not enough to warrant the gamble. Lambert has added Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord but has also lost defender James Collins to the Hammers and it remains to be seen if he can coax anymore out of the Birmingham club than McLeish managed.

Three of the last four Premier League meetings between these two sides have produced three or more goals, including a 2-1 win for West Ham in the corresponding fixture two seasons ago, and BWIN are offering a very fair Evens for over 2.5 goals.

If you want a speculative punt to mark the new season then get on Gabriel Agbonlahor at 7/1 to score first. The winger (pictured) started the season brightly last year and with Darren Bent months without competitive football Agbonlahor could be expected to bear the brunt of Villa’s attacking burden.

 

Tipster’s Top Bets

Over 2.5 goals @ Evens with BWIN (2pts)
Gabriel Agbonlahor to score first @ 7/1 with BWIN (1pt)

 

Head to Head

West Ham 37
Draw 29
Aston Villa 36

 

 

 

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