Wednesday night action

Aston Villa V Middlesborough

I almost missed this game so this preview may be a little short. Two teams here in very contrasting form at the moment. Villa's last match was at the emirates where they went so close to beating Arsenal. They played some great stuff and even though im a gunner they probably deserved the 3 points. On a completely different note, Middlesborough didnt even turn up against Cardiff in the FA Cup semi on Sunday. They were outplayed and never got into the game. An area of weakness that cropped up very visably was their poor defence of set pieces and this is an area where i feel that the likes of Mellberg could well expose tonight.
Villa are pretty solid at home where they are undefeated since early December. Recent results include a 4 - 1 thumping of Newcastle and wins over Spurs and Reading.
Boro put up a good fight at Anfield a few weeks back before eventually losing out to a Torres hatrick. Relegation is still an issue for them and in the near future they have Derby at home which is a vital game. They have a tough run coming up against Arsenal , Chelsea , Tottenham and Man Utd and this may sound strange but they seem to play their best against these strong teams often frustrating them with their defensive style.
Its games such as tonight where Boro seem to lack the motivation for some reason and this is why they wont win at Villa Park. A european spot is very much the prize that Aston Villa are looking at and they should have the motivation and ability to take 3 easy points against Boro.

PICK
Aston Villa (1.63 @ paddy power) 6 points

Chelsea V Derby

If there was ever a right time to play the league whipping boys then the time is now for Chelsea. If the carling cup final defeat to Tottenham was a blow, an FA Cup exit to Barnsley was a complete disaster. There are many problems at Stamford Bridge and now the pressure is on Grant to deliver.
Chelsea have loads of attacking talent and the names roll off the tongue, a choice of Ballack, Essien, Wright-Phillips, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba etc etc is the kind of arsenal that any team would wish to have.
Despite all the talk of the title being between Arsenal and Chelsea people must realise that Chelsea are only 3 points off Man Utd if they win here so its all to play for yet.
Derby on the other hand are heading for the championship and for them the quicker it comes the better. In more recent times they have at least battled a bit better but their away form does not lie. 0 wins, 11 defeats, 33 conceded in 14 games and failure to score in 10 of those games.
Chelsea at home are undefeated at home and have 9 clean sheets to their name. The need for an impressive display is at its greatest right now and if the players have any belief in Grant then they should take care of Derby with ease. In Derby’s 3 away games with the remaining of the “big 4” they conceded 15 goals. I don’t expect it to be anywhere as easy as that for Chelsea but they should still win.
Odds of 1.10 for the home win is only for the big hitters and there are various handicaps out there but the best value in my opinion is Chelsea to win both halves. For that bet to win, all Chelsea need to do is score in both halves, as I don’t see Derby scoring at all. The price of 1.91 at bet365 represents great value in my opinion and that’s my choice for this game.

Pick
Chelsea to win both halves (1.91 @ bet365) 5 points