Bristol City vs Aston Villa
English Carabao Cup
Date: Thursday, 24 September 2020
Kick-Off at 19.00 UK
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol.
Match preview
Villa was far from perfect in their facilities opening this season, needing late goals to overcome League One Burton and enjoying a controversial red card against Sheffield United on Monday night.
However, at a time when Villa try to reach the final EFL Cup for the second consecutive year and settle above the Premier League, Dean Smith will not care a bit.
The West Midlands outfit is playing catch-up for most of the last campaign, but a series of new signings have put the club on a different trajectory.
Villa has been further strengthened by the renewal of contracts and Jack Grealish Tyrone Mings, business is arguably more important than their major expenses in the transfer market.
With Fulham to follow next Monday, this feels like an important time for Smith and his players, who will be motivated to maintain their good start to the season.
Also for Dean Holden and his Bristol City side after their victories over Coventry City and Stoke City in the championship.
There were question marks about whether Holden was the appointment as soon Robins, especially when so many established names have been linked with the post at Ashton Gate.
However, their brilliant 2-0 win away at Stoke on Sunday afternoon left the city of Bristol as one of three clubs who started the new second ranking with wins back to back season.
In total, 10 goals were scored in their four matches in all competitions, strikes that were shared between the seven players of the team.
Team News
Tomáš Kalas, Callum O'Dowda Jay Dasilva and Liam Walsh all missed the trip to Stoke at the weekend due to injury and are set to remain on the sidelines.
After scoring in the 4-0 win over Northampton goalkeeper in the previous round, the likes of Kasey Palmer and Anthony Semenyo hoping for another chance to impress, while Max O'Leary should retain its cutting status for Robins.
Youngster Tyreek Bakinson impressed in what was the fourth consecutive victory to start the season under Dean Holden, and fans will be optimistic of an upset.
Villa started its league campaign with a hard fought victory over Sheffield United on Monday with Emi Martinez produce a penalty and fellow debutant Matty Cash impressive too.
Both can be well rested for the trip to Bristol and was signed Ollie Watkins, with new signing Bertrand Traore hoping for a start.
The former Chelsea man could lead the line or play right wing, which is likely to be his usual position in the XI, with potentially Kienan Davis coming to lead the attack in a wide range changed.
Bristol City vs Aston Villa Preview
Robins and their fans honestly could not expect a better start to the new football season. Bristol City are currently on an incredible run of four straight wins, scoring ten and conceding only one goal.
Their league campaign began with a 2-1 home win against Coventry City. This past weekend, Robins were labeled as underdogs at bet365 Stadium against Stoke City, but eventually won the game easily 2-0.
Sitting on top of the surely had great impact on their confidence table, while the elimination of EPL side is certainly not an impossible task.
As noted above, Aston Villa played no Premier League match at the time of writing the premiere (opposite Sheffield United on Monday night). Their form looked really solid in two test games against Wycombe 5-2 FT Manchester United 1-0. The first competitive game saw them beat Burton on the road Carabao Cup 3-1.
We expect an open duel goals in Bristol. Both teams to score at 1.73 as a bet banker feels at that moment. A little more adventurous bettors can also try with over 1.5 goals in the first half bet with lower participation.
Bristol City vs Aston Villa betting Tips
Both Teams to Score @ 1.73
Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.75.