Betting Picks

Event: English Premier League Soccer

Aston Villa at Stoke City

Saturday, March 13, 2010

March brings one of the most exciting sporting months of the year. Online betting offers NBA, NHL, college basketball, and soccer action for all enthusiasts.  Across the pond this weekend takes place a thrilling match between two teams fighting to move up the table in the English Premier League.

Seventh place Aston Villa visits Stoke City for a Premiership tilt as the Villains look to move closer to the a Cup birth while Stoke is trying to keep an admirable season on track and move into the top half of the table. The Potters are confident they will not be in danger of relegation, and have set a new goal of finishing in the top half of the table. A victory against Aston Villa will give the Potters 38 points, and tie them with Fulham for the tenth position.

Stoke City returns home and looks to bounce back after a disappointing road draw at Burnley, and a defeat to Arsenal. They have exceeded expectations this season and have played consistently, but of late are settling for one point when they have a chance for three. Indeed, they have lost only one Premier League match in their last nine, that a defeat by the hands of Arsenal.  However, disappointing draws against Wigan Athletic and Sunderland have hurt their momentum. Their schedule toughens dramatically this coming week as they welcome the Villains and later Tottenham Hotspur to town.

Aston Villa has much to play for, with 45 points are only four points back of both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, who occupy for the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Liverpool to is in the mix with 48 points, while Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea have pulled away from the pack and are competing for the top three spots.

The Villains have been streaking of late, having not lost in their last six matches, which includes draws against Manchester United and Arsenal, and a road draw against Tottenham Hotspur.  They should have all the confidence needed heading to the road. Meanwhile John Carew netted a hat trick in FA Cup play this week, and has totaled five goals in his previous three competition.  Carew also has three goals in three games against Stoke.

PICK:

Despite being on the road, Aston Villa is simply the better team with more momentum.  Stoke City has been playing well, but has been hanging in games and earning draws.  The Villains are looking for three points to put them closer to fourth position, as they are clicking on all cylinders. The game should prove very exciting with two quality teams playing well.  Aston Villa, however, will prove to be too much to handle, and grab the win.

Betting services will help keep track of all the events and lines, and don’t forget that March Madness betting is available as the NCAA sorts itself out.  March offers some of the most exciting sporting events in all the year.