Aston Villa v West Brom predictions: Take fresher hosts to see off rivals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Aston Villa v West Brom in the Premier League on Sunday

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7pm Sunday

Best bet

Aston Villa
2pts 10-11 Betfair, Hills

Team news

Aston Villa
Jack Grealish, Trezeguet and Morgan Sanson are injured, Matty Cash suspended. Wesley could be involved.

West Brom
Robert Snodgrass and Branislav Ivanovic are out. Kieran Gibbs is a doubt.

Match preview

An extra 24 hours rest at this stage of the season is a precious commodity indeed and Aston Villa can use that time off to their advantage by outlasting West Brom.

Villa, taught a lesson by Manchester City in a 2-1 loss on Wednesday, had their feet up the following evening when the Baggies were being soundly thumped by Leicester.

It finished 3-0, but had it been six no one would have complained, not even Sam Allardyce, who has targeted five wins from their last six to stay up. Bear in mind they've won five all season.

Albion looked so short of ideas at the King Power, in complete contrast to the decent performances they'd produced to secure wins at Chelsea and at home to Southampton in their previous two outings.

Villa, 20 points superior to their neighbours, have won just two of the nine games they've played in the absence of Jack Grealish, who is a non-runner once again.

But the last two games have been gutsy one-goal losses against Liverpool and Manchester City, so there is no shame in those results.

West Brom have lost ten away matches in the top flight this term and that 5-2 win at a below-strength and ten-man Chelsea – the only time they've found the net in their last five away matches – looks more and more like a complete one-off.

Villa won 3-0 at The Hawthorns just before Christmas in Big Sam's first match in charge of The Throstles and they can chalk up a double that would leave Albion well and truly on the brink.

Key stat

West Brom have trailed at half-time in a Premier League-high ten away games

Not got a William Hill account? Sign up and bet £10 to get £30 in free bets

Open a new account using Promo code H30 only, Min £10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport