West Brom v Aston Villa
I can understand why West Brom have gone for Sam Allardyce. If you look at his record, Blackburn, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Everton were in a bit of trouble. But he comes in, turns things around and keeps teams in the league.
What he did at Bolton is almost forgotten about, but that was miraculous what he did with that club. European football and the quality of players that he bought in like Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff.
The question is, have West Brom got good players? Offensively you’ve got the likes of Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira who are a threat. Defensively, Sam Johnstone’s been performing miracles for them.
You talk about new manager bounce when a new manager comes in but the players have been trying for the old manager and they have been getting some results like they did away at Sheffield United and the result against Man City during the week. I think the West Brom board have possibly jumped the gun, but if they stay up come the end of the season it will look like the right decision.
Sunday 7.15pm: West Brom v Aston Villa
BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
Aston Villa to Win
Villa are the most improved team in terms of my ratings this season. They had 27 shots against Burnley and should have beaten them during the week. They have games in hand so could shoot up the table and if you’re getting Aston Villa at around even money in this game, which I think you will, that’s a great bet for this game and that’s what I’d be backing.
Jack Grealish to Score First
For a goal scorer, West Brom are not great offensively so I won’t be looking anywhere near them, Pereira’s still suspended. So we’re looking at Aston Villa and what I will say to you is; if Anwar El Ghazi doesn’t start, Jack Grealish To Score First is the bet.
El Ghazi got his first league start of the season during the week and he would be on free kicks as well as penalties if he gets the nod again on Sunday.
If the team news comes out and El Ghazi starts, he’s a bigger price than Grealish so go with him as first goalscorer. If he doesn’t start then the bet, 100%, is Jack Grealish To Score First, assuming that he will be the man to take penalties which I think they have a great chance of getting.
Jason’s tips for West Brom v Aston Villa
Aston Villa to Win
Jack Grealish to Score First
These two selections in a Bet Builder will give you odds of around 9/1 with Paddy Power.
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