Betting Picks

Sports betting takes on all different forms as May draws near and championships are determined.  NHL betting is available as hockey heads to round two with many surprising teams. NBA Championship odds are also up as the last first round matchups are decided. Meanwhile, you can predict Kentucky Derby winners for the big annual event this weekend.

In Europe, the English Premier Soccer League draws to an exciting conclusion. The biggest weekend of matches yet takes place this weekend in the Premiership with only a handful of games left for the clubs and still lots of positions to be determined.

Aston Villa travels to Manchester City in a match between two top clubs vying for a Champions League qualifying spot.  The Villains are in fifth position in the table with 64 points, the same as fourth place Tottenham, but with one more game played. Manchester City sits right behind in sixth with 63 points with Liverpood close back as well with 62. The fight for fourth spot between this four teams will go down to the final games, though the three that fail to make it look to snatch spots in the Europa League.

Surprising to many, the Villains have been better on the road than they have been at home this season. Though they have 32 points apiece home and away, they have nine road wins. Manchester City, meanwhile, has been strong at home as expected, with 11 victories and only two losses. However, those two losses have come in their previous four home matches.

With only two games left, Aston Villa is looking for a full three points from this match.  Both City and Hotspur have three more games, with Tottenham playing two lesser teams sandwiching a road tilt against City.

Since a thrashing at the hands of Chelsea, Villa has played exceptional in order to make a run at fourth position. They have won three straight and four of five with a home draw to Everton. Three of the wins were on the road. Against Birmingham, James Milner scored a penalty at the 83’ to break a scoreless tie and earn Villa an important three points.

City, meanwhile, has faced a tough stretch of schedule with a draw against Arsenal and a home loss to Manchester United.  In the match against the Gunners, goalkeeper Shay Given dislocated his shoulder in the second half and was replaced by Gunnar Nielsen. Given had successful surgery and will be not play the rest of the season. They have acquired on loan Sunderland goalie Marton Fulop as an emergency backup to Nielsen.

While Villa has the momentum, City has the history. The Villains have beat the Citizens only twice in the past 14 matches.

Betting lines: Take momentum over history and confidence over home field. Both teams are looking for a full three points, and the Villains have been playing opportunistic. Any slip up for a team expected to make the Champions League will open the door for Villa to snatch an away win and keep their hopes alive for a surprise finish at fourth position.