Premier League Betting Aston Villa vs. Bolton Wanderers

With Arsenal FC floundering lately across the board – in Premiership, Champions League and Carling Cup – any title hopes they may have entertained at the start of the season are fading fast, giving Aston Villa a prime opportunity to gain valuable ground. Villa, sensing a place inside the “big four” is within reach, is ready to take the step forward against Bolton Wanderers when they come to Villa Park on Saturday.

However, Aston Villa’s task will not be easy as Bolton Wanderers are surprisingly good this season. Few in soccer betting circles could have predicted Bolton to do so well this term but they have. They are in the top ten in the League and they will bring a focused game with very little compromises to Villa Park.

Soccer Betting Line:

Aston Villa -½ -150 -150 2½ O +110 U -130 Draw +250

Bolton Wanderers +½ +130 +450 2½ O +110 U -130 Draw +250

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time Saturday December 13, 2008

Venue: Villa Park

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Aston Villa -150: The sports betting marketplace heavily favours Aston Villa, considering they have been holding their weight, even punching above, in the market. Villa have spent a lot of time rebuilding in the off-season and the results are showing this term as they currently sit fifth in the table, below Arsenal FC by a point. They are on a four-match undefeated streak – winning 3:2 at Everton and 2:0 at Arsenal and holding Manchester United and Fulham to scoreless draws at Villa Park.

They are a well-balanced side that have strength in all positions. More importantly, they have a great attitude, team spirit and relationship with Coach Martin O’Neill who has been instrumental in their success on the pitch.

Bolton Wanderers +450: Bolton are a bit of a surprise this season and given their results they would appear to be heavily underestimated in this match. In their last six matches, Bolton hauled 12 points; winning four and losing two. As their losses came to the top duo of Liverpool and Chelsea – which was expected by sports bettors – when held to the standard set by the big four clubs they are a weaker side after all.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Aston Villa has everything to play for in this match. They have dared to aspire to enter the big four fold and now they are within reach of establishing themselves within the illustrious group over the weekend. O’Neil has inspired his side to some magnificent performances this season and with home edge they are the favourites to mastermind another brilliant display of football.

Soccer Free Picks: Aston Villa -150 | Over 2.5 goals +110

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