Sheffield United vs Aston Villa Odds & Picks

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03 February 2024

Sheffield United vs Aston Villa Odds & Picks

Ollie Watkins is looking to make an impression, both with Aston Villa and for his national team, and against a leaky Sheffield side, our EPL picks are backing him to stay hungry.

After a wobbly few weeks, Aston Villa’s Champions League dream is in more jeopardy, and they can’t afford another slip-up as they visit Sheffield United as Premier League odds favorites on Saturday.

Villa’s strong home form counted for nothing in midweek in a disappointing 3-1 loss to Newcastle. With their December magic drying up, they’ve gone three games without a win.

But this is a golden opportunity to get back on track. Sheffield United are rock bottom in the Premier League standings and, after a 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace on Tuesday, they’re still looking for their first league victory since December 9.

Read on for our free Sheffield United vs Aston Villa soccer betting picks ahead of this February 3 showdown.

Sheffield United vs Aston Villa best odds

EPL predictions for Sheffield United vs Aston Villa

The idea that alarm bells should be going off at Villa Park during this subpar run of results feels like an overreaction, but it’s undeniable that Unai Emery’s men have lost some of their mojo.

There’s still a long way to go in this Premier League season — 16 games for the visitors, in fact — and Aston Villa need a jolt before the chasing pack makes up ground.

If anyone’s going to give them that spark, it’s Ollie Watkins. He’s been a difference-maker all season, and he was back on the scoresheet against Newcastle after a six-match drought, netting his 10th Premier League goal of the season.

That’s where I’m looking for my best bet on Saturday, as Watkins gets a favorable matchup against a Sheffield United team that’s shipped 10 goals in their last three outings and hasn’t kept a clean sheet in any of their past six league contests.

Villa weren’t direct enough in Tuesday’s loss, and I expect to see Watkins less isolated this weekend. That may start with a recall for Leon Bailey, who’s pushing for a return to the starting line-up, or a bigger role for Nicolo Zaniolo. Both players bring the creativity to boost any Watkins goal props.

With a combined 10 shots in his last two league games, Watkins isn’t shy about letting fly and, as Euro 2024 appears on the horizon, he’s still got to make his case for being the No.2 option behind Harry Kane in the central striker role.

I see Villa converting at least a couple of their chances at Bramall Lane, and I’m wagering on Watkins to be one of their scorers.

My best bet: Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorer (+139 at TonyBet)

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Sheffield United vs Aston Villa same-game parlay

Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorerAston Villa moneyline

BTTS – Yes

Anything short of three points will be a setback for Villa here, and we should see real urgency from the visitors as they try to snatch back fourth place from Tottenham.

You’ll find short odds on the Villa moneyline, but I’m still adding it for my SGP. Sheffield United continue to look so vulnerable at the back and they blew the lead twice against Palace on Tuesday. Two wins from 22 league games this season tells its own bleak story for the hosts.

While the Blades haven’t been a source of wins, they’ve at least served up some free-scoring contests over the past month, including a 5-2 defeat against Brighton. Villa’s defensive performance in midweek was uncharacteristically poor, potentially opening the door for Ben Brereton Diaz, Cam Archer or Ollie McBurnie to cash in for the hosts on Saturday.

I see Sheffield United playing their part in an end-to-end thriller, and there’s every reason to like the BTTS – Yes prop.

Sheffield United vs Aston Villa side and Over/Under analysis

Sheffield United are fading in the relegation fight, and they enter as big underdogs this weekend, with a Villa backlash on the cards after flopping in midweek.

It’s tough to make a case for the Blades. They’ve lost five of their last seven matchups against top flight opponents, and they’re nine points from safety with an ugly -35 goal difference. Meanwhile, Villa have only lost one of their last eight games on the road.

Get ready for goals on Saturday. Sheffield United’s past four games have all delivered four or more goals, and the hosts have netted at least twice themselves in all of those outings.

With the Blades in need of every point, especially at home, there should be plenty of counter-attacking chances for Villa, which plays to the strengths of the visitors’ front three. We may also see a debut for the visitors’ talented new boy Morgan Rogers.

These teams battled to a tight 1-1 draw in December at Villa Park, but this rematch feels like it could cash the Over on 3.5 total goals, even with Watkins and co. managing just two goals in four games in January.

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Sheffield United vs Aston Villa game info

Sheffield United vs Aston Villa key injuries

Sheffield United: Ivo Grbic G (Doubtful), Tom Davies M (Doubtful), Chris Basham D (Out), John Egan D (Out), Daniel Jebbison F (Out), Rhian Brewster F (Out – Suspended).
Aston Villa: Pau Torres D (Doubtful), Lucas Digne D (Doubtful), Jhon Duran F (Out), Tyrone Mings D (Out), Emi Buendia M (Out).