Aston Villa hosts Middlesbrough on Sunday in Premiership Soccer Betting

Birmingham – Fifth ranked Aston Villa returned to winning form in UEFA Cup action this week when they beat Slavia Prague 1:0 on the away. Now all they need to do is to carry the momentum against an 8th ranked Middlesbrough in their upcoming Premiership clash.

Last Monday, to the disappointment of loyal Aston Villa sports betting fans, the club’s good run of results ended when they lost to Newcastle 2:0. The setback was even more disheartening as Aston Villa started the game relatively brightly and they created some great scoring chances in the first half. Nevertheless, their efforts were thwarted by near misses and Newcastle took the initiative in the second half, reeling off two goals, to hand Aston their first since they lost 2:0 to Chelsea.

Despite the loss, Aston is fifth in the Premiership standings, level in points with Arsenal. So they are not in a bad position at all. The side has been boosted by the return to fitness of winger James Milner for Sunday’s match against Middlesbrough. Moreover, first choice keeper Brad Friedel, fullback Luke Young, central defender Martin Laursen and midfielders Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker are all set to feature in Sunday’s line-up after being rested for the win against Slavia Prague.

Soccer Betting Line:

Aston Villa -1 +120 -160 2½ O -120 U Ev 2½ O -150 U +120 Draw +270

Middlesbrough FC +1 -140 +450 2½ O -120 U Ev 1 O +110 U -140 Draw +270

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time Sunday November 9, 2008

Venue: Villa Park Stadium

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Aston Villa -160 – Aston has a good record at Villa Park this season: won three, drew two, and lost none. Since they found their winning form on Thursday in UEFA Cup action, their spirits should be buoyed. Their key players are well-rested. The return of U-21 sensation James Milner should add dimension to their front line.

Middlesbrough +450 – Mbrough is enjoying rare form. Since suffering a hefty 5:0 loss to Chelsea at home, they have embarked on a three-match undefeated streak. The tied Blackburn 1:1 on the away, they beat Manchester City 2:0 at home and drew West Ham 1:1 at home. Still, they were lucky to escape defeat in all three matches.

Soccer Betting Verdict Aston Villa has been impressive this season and has a chance to enter the race for a final four finish, possibly even the title race – but that is a stretch. The depth on their bench is such that they are outright favourites in this match. They have home edge. So a home win is a good play.

Soccer Free Picks: Aston Villa -160 | Under 2.5 goals Even

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room