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2013-01-22 - Aston Villa vs Bradford
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Capital One Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Tuesday 22 January 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Aston Villa
Paul Lambert is under pressure at Villa Park, but you wouldn't know it from his press conferences and he is clearly confident that his Aston Villa side can overturn the first leg deficit and book their place at Wembley. Lambert has suggested his team are still the favourites to progress through to the Final, while he made it clear that they need to make a fast start in this second leg.
The game at Valley Parade was a real surprise for most people as Bradford were just far more clinical in front of goal. However, Villa fans can at least hold on to the fact that they created a lot of chances in that game and it was inspired goalkeeping from Matt Duke that kept Bradford ahead. The fans will also be well served to remember that they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-0 at Villa Park earlier in the competition so this deficit is not insurmountable.
Aston Villa have failed to win any of their last 3 games in all competitions, but were perhaps a little unfortunate to only draw 2-2 with West Brom at the Hawthornes over the weekend. They have lost 3 of their last 4 at Villa Park in all competitions, while winning just 1 in 5, but they haven't lost to lower League opposition here since 2008.
Nathan Baker and Ashley Westwood are both out for the home side, while Shay Given and Fabian Delph are doubtful. Andreas Weimann is available after missing the last game through illness.
Bradford
Thanks to their run in the Cup which has brought the club so much attention, Phil Parkinson was a wanted man by higher League clubs to take over as manager. However, he has rejected the chance to move to Blackpool with the idea of restoring Bradford into one of the higher League tables and also a chance to lead them to Wembley.
Bradford are looking to knock out the third Premier League club they have faced in the Capital One Cup this season following penalty shoot out wins over Wigan Athletic and Arsenal. That includes a performance at the DW Stadium where they managed to earn a goalless draw, a result that would see Bradford through to their first Final at Wembley for over 100 years.
The form has suffered since the 3-1 first leg win over Aston Villa, with Bradford losing both games they have played since, including a 4-1 loss at Crewe that ended their participation in the Football League Trophy. Bradford have lost their last 2 away games in all competitions, while they have now failed to win any of their last 5 games on their travels.
Michael Nelson has recently signed for the club and could be making his debut in this one. James Hanson, who was such a handful in the first leg, could return from an injury that has seen him miss the last two games.
Head to Head
Bradford are visiting Villa Park for the first time since the 2000/01 season when Aston Villa won the game 2-0.
Aston Villa have actually won 7 straight games against Bradford at home over the last 80 years.
Prediction
Anyone who saw the first leg of this Capital One Cup Semi Final will appreciate that Aston Villa had a number of chances to take the lead in the tie and were actually undone by a goal against the run of play.
You have to think Villa won't be as wasteful in front of goal in this one and I do think they have the ability to turn the tie around.
Bradford are also in a tough position- do they attack and go for the goal that could be enough to see them through to the Final, or do they defend their two goal lead knowing away goals will only be a problem if they get to extra time?
I think Phil Parkinson will want his side to express themselves and they are a real danger from set pieces, as proven in the first leg, but it is just human nature to defend your position when you have enough room to do so.
The value on Villa to win this game by at least two clear goals has gone slightly, but it is still the call for me. If they produce the chances they created in the first leg, you have to think they will be a little more clinical and so taking them to win by two clear goals at odds against is tempting enough for me.
The Pick :
Aston Villa 2-0 Bradford
