Smart Money on Emery’s Unstoppable Villagers vs Olympiakos
I know it’s not easy, but let’s forget about the UEFA Champions League for a second and focus on the Conference League. Aston Villa is the betting favorite at -235 odds for the first leg of the semifinals against Olympiakos. Check the latest Conference League betting lines.
Aston Villa vs Olympiakos Match Information
- Match: Aston Villa vs Olympiakos Piraeus
- Date: Thursday, May 2
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Villa Park, Birmingham
- Aston Villa vs Olympiakos Live Stream: Fubo.tv
Aston Villa’s Unstoppable Rise: Emery’s Villagers Primed for Glory
Only a catastrophe can prevent Aston Villa from finishing in the English Premier League top four. That means the Villagers will play the next edition of the UCL. In addition, they’re favorites to win the current edition of the Conference League. Summing up, head coach Unai Emery has done a great job establishing a winning mentality.
Most recently, the Villagers drew 2-2 to Chelsea in the EPL, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez –one of the main reasons for the Villagers’ astonishing season– not playing the second half due to injury. That action allowed Martinez to avoid a serious injury, but he won’t be able to play on Thursday.
Aston Villa has scored 73 goals in the EPL. Striker Ollie Watkins is having a great season, scoring 19 goals in the EPL and seven in the Conference League, where the Villagers are 6-2-2.
The Villagers are used to playing under pressure, facing teams like Manchester City and Liverpool constantly. And now with Martinez out, goalkeeper Robin Olsen is ready for the challenge.
A game-saving stop from Robin Olsen. 👏 pic.twitter.com/D608kMjumL
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 28, 2024
Aston Villa vs Olympiakos Betting Tips
- Aston Villa averages 2.3 goals at home.
- Olympiakos averages 1.6 goals on the road.
- Aston Villa is unbeaten in its last six home games.
- Olympiakos only lost two of its last 10 road games.
- Aston Villa has scored at least one goal for 10 consecutive matches.
- Olympiakos has won the first half in 48% of its matches.
- Aston Villa conceded in seven of its last 10 games.
- Olympiakos conceded in nine of its last 10 games.
Prop Bets and Best Picks to Back the Villagers
I’m not going to talk much about Olympiakos because I don’t think the visitors have what it takes to pull off the stunner. That’s why I’m focusing on the prop market.
First, let’s talk about Anytime Goalscorer. Of course, Watkins is a great option, especially at +110, but there’s also Leon Bailey at +210. The Jamaican has scored 10 goals in the EPL and four in the Conference League.
What a pass. What a finish. 😍@LeonBailey 🤝 @Morgz_10 pic.twitter.com/sgq7Swn1ss
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 21, 2024
Second, I expect both teams to score, which is offering a -115 price in the sportsbook. However, let’s make it more interesting with Aston Villa to win and the total to go over 3½ goals at +275. That’s right, I expect the Villagers to win comfortably, at least 3-1.
Finally, I also expect the Villagers to go all-in right from the start, which is why I like Aston Villa-Aston Villa for halftime-fulltime. That option is +120, a much more comfortable price compared to the moneyline.
Questions of the Day
Which Olympiakos player is more likely to score against Aston Villa?
Ayoub El Kaabi, who has scored 28 goals in all competitions.
