All sports in North America are eagerly awaited the biggest football game of the year. The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints have earned a spot in the big game, and the Super Bowl XLIV odds are set.
However, there are big football game being played on the other side of the ocean in the mean time, as the soccer world gears up for the English Premiere League match between Fulham and Aston Villa, and the sportbook is open for business.
The two teams take the field Saturday, January 30th, and 10am EST for their 23rd games of the season. Villa is coming off a commendable scoreless draw against second ranked Arsenal on Wednesday. They are currently in seventh place, but only four points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur, with Liverpool and Manchester City sitting at fifth and sixth respectively. Despite having not scored in their past four League matches, the team has still een recent success. They posted nine goals in two non-league games and have reached the Carling Cup final.
Their high spirits hit the road, as the Villains will being playing away for the first time since playing four straight at home. However, the team has found moderate success on the road, winning three, drawing three, and losing just three.
Fulham meanwhile has played four straight league matches on the road, and lost all four by a combined score of 9-3. The latest was a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. In fact, a draw against Tottenham at home weeks ago was the last time Fulham has earned a point in league play
They return home, however, where they have played particularly well, posting six wins and two draws. Their only two home losses were to Chelsea and Arsenal. They will welcome Aston Villa in a stretch that will seem them play four of their next five at home. They sit at tenth in the table with 27 points and are badly in need a victory to try to move up past Everton and Birmingham.
Both clubs have been hampered by injuries of late. Most notably, Fulham will continue to be without leading scorer Zamora as he is sidelined with a broken collarbone.
Line : Villa +162, Fulham +160
Despite being lifted by a strong showing against Arsenal, Villa has struggled to score in league matches. Fulham returns home and should be backed by a vocal crowd in a stadium where they have found continued success. Look for them to come out very motivated and hand Villa a tough road loss.
The betting lines for this one are nearly equal, so consider pairing this game with another to increase your winnings. Check out some betting tips as you consider your options. Fulham has yet to lose five straight matches which is what would happen should they drop one at home to Villa. Quite simply, they are due. Playing desperation football on a home field with a boisterous fan base, Fulham looks to add to their home success.
Pick: Fulham
