Tag Archives: Villa

Can Spain reign without Villa?

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Reigning champions and 5/2 favourites Spain have been dealt a huge blow with the news star striker David Villa will miss this summer’s European Championship.

The Barcelona forward suffered a fractured tibia in December and has been sidelined since.

Vicente del Bosque had stated he would give Villa every chance to prove his fitness but the Spain coach, who will name his 23-man squad on Sunday, has now confirmed the striker will not be heading to Poland and Ukraine.

A Spanish Football Federation statement said: “David Villa spoke with Del Bosque, who relayed that although it was Villa’s wish to be with the team in Poland and Ukraine, that his physical state was ‘not as good’ as would be desirable.”

Villa’s goals were crucial for Spain in their Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 successes.  The former Valencia man was the top scorer in 2008 and joint top scorer in 2010, narrowly missing out on the golden boot to Germany’s Thomas Muller, who had more assists.

It remains to be seen if Spain can be as dominant as they have been in recent years without Villa’s goals, but they have plenty of quality in other areas and other forwards who could step up and shoulder the goal scoring responsibility.

Chelsea’s Fernando Torres had been considered a doubt for selection after a disappointing campaign at Stamford Bridge but Del Bosque could hand the former Atletico Madrid frontman a place in his 23-man squad with Villa unavailable.  Torres appeared to be recapturing his form towards the end of the season and could view an international competition as a chance to re-establish himself as one of the most feared marksmen in the world.

Torres’ lack of action at club level could be of benefit to Spain, as he will not be suffering the same kind of fatigue other players who have played regularly over the season will be feeling and the Chelsea man can be backed at 20/1 to be the top scorer at Euro 2012.

Another man who could step up and fill the void left by Villa is Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Lorente, who has seven goals in 20 caps to date and impressed for Bilbao this season as they reached the Europa League final.  Lorente, who is 16/1 to be the top scorer at Euro 2012, is a different type of forward to Villa and Spain may have to adapt their style to get the best out of the Bilbao star, but he is certainly a world class striker who is more than capable of firing Spain to glory at Euro 2012.

Other options include Barcelona’s Pedro, Atletico Madrid’s Adrian and Valencia’s Roberto Soldado, who has enjoyed a fantastic campaign at the Mestalla and has three goals in three Spanish caps to date.

Adrian is yet to receive a call up for the Spain squad, having represented them at youth level, but he has been included in the squad for their friendly fixtures against Serbia and South Korea ahead of Euro 2012, as has Soldado, Torres and Sevilla’s Álvaro Negredo, who has five goals in seven caps to date.

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Baggies to deepen Villa troubles

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The Premier League season is at ’squeaky bum time’ and while there are a number of clubs who have nothing to play for there are still plenty who do. The relegation battle and the race for a top-four finish get tighter by the week but Saturday’s matches could go some way to deciding both situations.

Sunderland v Bolton 3pm

Bolton did their hopes of escaping the relegation zone the power of good on Tuesday night when they won one of their two games in hand at Aston Villa. Having fallen behind, Owen Coyle’s men showed great spirit to bounce back to win the game 2-1, lifting them to within a point of escaping the drop zone.

While the Trotters appear to be rallying, Sunderland are drifting towards mid-table mediocrity after a dreadful recent run of form, winning just one of the last nine in all competitions. The goals have dried up for Martin O’Neill’s men and their failure to score in the last four games will be music to the ears of Bolton’s leaky defence.

Traditionally Sunderland have got the better of Bolton, winning six of the last seven against the Trotters. However, if there was ever a time to end that run it must be Saturday for Bolton. Sunderland are 10/11 to record another win over Bolton in the match betting, with the draw 13/5 and the Trotters priced at 3/1.

West Brom v Aston Villa 3pm

If there were any doubts about Aston Villa being in a relegation battle then Tuesday’s defeat to Bolton put an end to those. Alex McLeish’s side have won one of the last 13 matches and find themselves just three points outside the relegation zone. There are calls for McLeish to go but at this stage of the season you have to ask whether there is much point.

Saturday’s derby match looks as though it could deal another blow to Villa’s survival hopes, with West Brom probably relishing the chance to deepen their neighbours gloom having made sure of another season in the top flight. West Brom have won the last two games 1-0 and a repeat of that scoreline at 6/1 might be worth an investment. Under 2.5 goals at 5/6 looks a safe bet as well given how few goals both teams score, with Villa having only scored more than one goal in a game once since February.

West Brom are 23/20 for the win – a solid price despite their home record – while Villa are 5/2 and the draw is 23/10.

Wigan v Newcastle 3pm

Two of the form sides in the Premier League clash at the DW Stadium on Saturday, with both still having plenty to play for. Wigan looked dead and buried in February but 12 points from the last 18 has catapulted them out of the relegation zone, albeit only by a point. The Latics produced a similar run at the end of last season to secure their safety but stumbled at Fulham last week.

Newcastle are likely to provide another bump in the road for Roberto Martinez’s men having won their last six on the bounce. Alan Pardew’s team is purring at the moment and with no new injury concerns it is likely to be the same starting XI that blew away Stoke last weekend.

Newcastle have the talent to get the better of Wigan and in Papiss Cisse they have a striker who is bang in form, the Senegal hitman scoring 11 times since he arrived in January. He is 4/1 to grab the first goal, with a Newcastle win on offer at a generous 6/4 in the match betting given their recent run. Wigan are 15/8, with the draw 12/5.

Elsewhere, punters might be tempted to back Stoke to beat Arsenal at 7/2, given how much the Gunners hate going to the Britannia Stadium. However, the Potters have nothing to play for and look to be planning their summer holidays, while Arsenal are desperate need of the points in the bid to secure third.

Norwich could prove decent value if you fancy them to beat Liverpool at 3/1. Neither side has much to play for in the league, with the Reds focusing on the FA Cup final. Kenny Dalglish’s men were unlucky to lose to West Brom last weekend but you wonder whether they’ll be up for the fight at Carrow Road on Saturday teatime.

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Villa faithful set for rough ride

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Aston Villa fans will be starting to be get slightly hot under the collar as they see their beloved side dangerously close to the relegation zone as they get ready to host fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night (Villa Evs, draw 9/4, Bolton 9/4 Match Betting).

Villa find themselves just five points above the relegation zone with 12 points still up for grabs, as they head into the business end of the Premier League season.

With the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and their opponents on Tuesday Bolton (4/7 Premier League relegation) desperate for points, Villa could easily be dragged into a dramatic final day of the season.

Manager Alex McLeish is under heavy pressure to keep his job with the West Midlands outfit and will have to do without the services of James Collins for the clash with the Trotters.

The experienced defender is set to miss out due to a groin strain, whilst striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is a doubt having picked up a shoulder injury during his side’s goalless draw with Sunderland at Villa Park last weekend.

With potentially two of Villa’s best players on the sidelines, McLeish is really down to the bare bones, with a squad that would love the season to be over this instance.

If Agbonlahor is missing it is hard to see where they goals are going to come from for the home side, who will be low on confidence having not won a game in their last six Premier League outings.

Six goals in their last 10 games and none in their last two tells its own story and McLeish will be looking to the likes of Andreas Weimann and potentially Emile Heskey for goals on Tuesday.

As for Bolton they will be buoyed by the absence of Collins in the heart of the Villa defense, with strikers Ivan Klasnic (15/2 First Goalscorer), David Ngog and Kevin Davies set to cause Shay Given problems between the sticks.

The Trotters were outplayed for much of their last outing against Swansea City but still managed to get a point out of the encounter at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

With the Lancashire club having injury problems of their own, 18-year-old midfielder Josh Vela looks set to make his Premier League debut for the club, as manager Owen Coyle has very few options left in the middle of the park.

Darren Pratley and Mark Davies are both doubts for the trip to Villa Park and they have been added to the long-term injuries to Stuart Holden, Lee Chung-Yong and of course the recovering Fabrice Muamba.

Bolton have four points between themselves and safety but do have an all-important game in hand over their relegation rivals.

This should be a very cagey and nervous affair on Tuesday night and it won’t be surprising to see just a single goal winning this relegation encounter.

Based on their inability to score and the fact Collins will miss the game, it’s difficult to see Villa (10/1 Premier League relegation) winning this one and Bolton might just edge it, as they look to give their survival hopes a real lift.

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Villa will be hungry like Wolves

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There are six matches in the Premier League on Saturday with Wolves travelling to local rivals Aston Villa aiming to maintain their 100 per cent start the pick of the bunch as we assess that clash and the other top-flight encounters which may take your fancy.

Aston Villa v Wolves (12.05pm)

Alex McLeish’s men are unbeaten with four points from their opening two games, but they have been overshadowed by their Midlands rivals as Mick McCarthy’s side boast a 100 per cent record going into the Villa Park showdown.
Villa strike duo Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey have been declared fit after suffering minor injuries against Blackburn, while youngsters Chris Herd and Eric Lichaj are vying to replace QPR-bound Luke Young at right-back as the hosts aim to stretch their decent run to one defeat in 11 league games.
Ironically, the last side to win at Villa Park was Wolves in March as they ended a 31-year wait for that feat.
If they repeat that success (Wolves 3/1 Away 90 Minutes) on Saturday lunch-time it will be the first time they have ever won three successive Premier League matches.
McCarthy is set to name an unchanged side from the one that defeated Fulham at Molineux last Sunday.
However, it is Villa who are looking in good shape to avenge last season’s defeat and will bring Wolves’ good start to a halt.

Prediction: Villa Home 90 Minutes @ evens
Value Bet: Gabby Agbonlahor 1st goal Match Goalscorer @ 11/2

Wigan v QPR (12.30pm)

An interesting clash at the DW Stadium as Wigan are unbeaten from their opening two matches having drawn with Premier League new boys Norwich and Swansea.
They will be hoping to secure a first win against the third promoted outfit this weekend when Neil Warnock’s Londoners arrive.
Roberto Martinez’s men will be without Antolin Alcaraz, Steven Gohouri and possibly Victor Moses as they look to stretch their unbeaten run on home soil which dates back to February.
However, the R’s will be boosted by their 1-0 win at Everton last weekend not to mention the arrival of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton on a four-year deal, although he might not be eligible to play.
They are also unbeaten in their previous games at Wigan, while they boasted the best away record in the Championship last term.
A close game beckons and that is why we can?t separate them so a draw is the likeliest outcome.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Wigan/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1

Blackburn v Everton (3pm)

An early season basement battle at Ewood Park will see the under-fire Steve Kean’s Rovers go head-to-head with David Moyes’ Toffees.
Rovers have lost their opening two games, while Everton have only played one – but lost at Goodison Park to new boys QPR last Saturday.
Something will have to give this weekend and Kean will hope captain Chris Samba can make his first appearance of the season after overcoming a groin injury, while here could be a debut for new midfield signing Simon Vukcevic.
Everton usually do well at Blackburn, although they lost the first match in seven on the opening day of last season (9/4 Home 90 Minutes).
And, with money sparse for new signings Moyes will be hoping Tim Cahill (13/8 Anytime Goalscorer) can end his 11-match run without a league goal.
Winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is available after completing a three-match ban, while fit-again pair Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini are set for their first league starts of the season.
Another tight game, but we fancy Everton to get their season up and running while heaping more misery on Kean.

Prediction: Everton Away 90 Minutes @ 13/10
Value Bet: Everton 2-1 Correct score @ 8/1

Chelsea v Norwich (3pm)

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas got his first taste of victory last weekend with a narrow win against West Brom at Stamford Bridge, while ten-man Norwich snatched a draw from the jaws of victory at Carrow Road when Stoke – who held Chelsea on the opening weekend – scored an injury time equaliser.
Chelsea have won seven of their last eight league games on home soil and Villas-Boas will look for that to be eight out of nine on Saturday evening.
New signing Juan Mata is likely to be on the bench, but David Luiz is set to miss out due to his ongoing thigh problem, while Hilario will again deputise for injured number one goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Unbeaten Norwich failed to win on the road in their previous Premier League campaign in 2004/05 and will be looking for a first away-day success in the top flight at the 32nd attempt.
Boss Paul Lambert has Leon Barnett back from suspension following his red card against Stoke.
But recent signing Daniel Ayala is out for eight weeks with a knee injury, while Wes Hoolahan is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Chelsea have won their last three games against Norwich at Stamford Bridge 4-0 (17/2 Correct Score) and that tells you everything you need to know when considering a punt on Saturday’s showdown.

Prediction: Chelsea Home 90 Minutes @ 1/5
Value Bet: Juan Mata Last Goalscorer @ 5/1

Swansea v Sunderland (3pm)

These two sides meet at the Liberty Stadium boasting just one point from their opening two games of the season so a first win will be the top priority for Swans boss Brendan Rodgers and his Black Cats counterpart Steve Bruce.
Swansea have the omens on their side have they won the previous three games in South Wales – albeit they last met in the 1982-83 season.
However, they will have to try and get a fourth win without Garry Monk, who remains sidelined by a foot injury, and knee injury victim Ferrie Boddie.
Bruce’s Wearsiders have endured a difficult week after following up a creditable opening day draw at Liverpool with a North-East derby defeat against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light and a Carling up reverse at Brighton.
Sunderlan, who are set to hand John O’Shea his debut, have lost 11 of their last 16 games in the Premier League and will have to work hard to ensure that tally is not added to on Saturday.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Swansea/Draw HT/FT @ 14/1

Liverpool v Bolton (5.30pm)

King Kenny Dalglish’s Reds got their season up and running with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal last Saturday after being held by Sunderland a week earlier, while Bolton followed up their opening day 4-0 romp at QPR with a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
However, the Merseysiders appear to have an Indian sign over the Trotters having won their last nine games against them, keeping six clean sheets in the process.
And, Dalglish will be looking for that to be 10 on Saturday, although he might have to do without Glen Johnson, who faces a fitness test on a hamstring problem.
Luis Suarez is certain to start after being on the bench at Arsenal, while Andy Carroll will look to score his first league goal of the season after notching at Exeter in the Carling Cup in the week.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle will hope he can end his side’s 55-year wait for maximum points at Anfield, although he will be without left-back Marcos Alonso after he broke a bone in his foot in the League Cup win against Macclesfield.
Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts and Tyrone Mears are also sidelined for the encounter which is likely to see Liverpool continue their good run against the Wanderers.

Prediction: Liverpool Home 90 Minutes @ 2/5
Value Bet: Andy Carroll 1st Goal Liverpool 2-0 Scorecast @ 14/1

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Villa can boost survival fight

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There is the rarity of all Saturday’s Premier League games kicking off at 3pm, with important fixtures at both ends of the table. Two sides looking over their shoulders meet at Villa Park, with Gerard Houllier’s men looking set for a crucial three points.

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Villa knocked Rovers out of the FA Cup last month and the home side look likely to repeat the dose when Steve Kean’s men return to the Midlands. The home side are just three points outside the bottom three but it’s their away form that has led to their slump.

Villa have lost just three times at home in 13 league games and have lost just one of their last eight games. Meanwhile, despite sitting in 11th, Rovers are just five points from the drop zone and their recent form will be a concern. One win in six indicates Blackburn are a team on the slide, and a lack of goals will also worry the Rovers faithful.

Match Bet: Darren Bent to score 2 or more @ 5/1

Wigan v Man Utd

A new surface at the DW Stadium looks set to play into United’s hands and Fergie’s men look set to extend their lead at the top. Wigan have relayed their patchy pitch in the last fortnight which means a better pitch for the leaders to perform on.

Latics will also be without key on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is in illegible, and although Rio Ferdinand is still sidelined, the visitors should prove too strong for an inconsistent Wigan who remain in the bottom three.

Match Bet: Draw HT / Man Utd FT @ 3/1

Wolves v Blackpool

A huge game for both sides in their battle for survival, but the pressure will firmly be on the shoulders of the home team. Wolves are currently bottom and have struggled against fellow relegation candidates this season – losing at home to the likes of Wigan and Aston Villa and being held by West Ham.

Blackpool will have received a massive boost from their midweek win over Spurs and will go in search of a sixth away win of the season. The absence of the suspended Charlie Adam will be a blow though, and that may swing things in favour of Mick McCarthy’s men.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 8/13

Everton v Sunderland

Forget the Cup win over Chelsea, this is the big test for Everton in front of their restless home fans….and it’s a game they can’t afford to lose. David Moyes’ men are just three points from the bottom three and have, amazingly, won just four of their 12 league games at Goodison. A lack of firepower is a continued problem and the Blues need Tim Cahill to deliver following his recent spell with Australia.

Sunderland are looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat, although the Black Cats are not playing as badly as the form guide suggests. Steve Bruce’s men have won two of their last three away games and could welcome back Fraizer Campbell.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Newcastle v Bolton

Alan Pardew has quietly gone about his business since his controversial appointment and knows two more wins should see the Magpies safe. Their home form has been impressive of late, with the Toon taking seven points from their last three fixtures and a win will see them move above their opponents in the table.

Newcastle’s hopes of another win will probably be helped by Bolton’s continuing FA Cup run. Wanderers are into the quarter-finals and that, combined with several injury problems, may see them slip out of the battle for a place in Europe.

Match Bet: Kevin Nolan to score @ 2/1

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Young reveals Villa deal delay

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England midfielder Ashley Young appears to be keeping his options open after shelving new contract talks at Aston Villa until the summer (Villa 12/1 – Top Four Finish).

The pacey forward has less than two years left on his deal having arrived at Villa Park from Watford for big money back in 2007.

Signed by former boss Martin O’Neill, Young has gone on to establish himself as a key first-team player for the Villans while he has also won 10 caps for the Three Lions.

The 25-year-old insists he is happy at Villa but says he is determined to concentrate on matters on the pitch rather than get distracted by contract talks.

Young told The Sun: “I’ve told the people at Villa that I won’t be signing a new contract at the moment.

“I know they want to get it done now but my current deal still has a year to run after this season and I feel there is plenty of time to talk next summer.

“I want to stress that I have no problem with Aston Villa. I love the fans and I’m very much enjoying my football.

“I want to concentrate on what’s happening on the field and don’t want to get distracted.

“It’s a big season for me and I’m hopeful there are good times ahead under the new manager.”

Villa (9/5 – 90 minutes betting) take on Sunderland (11/8) at the Stadium of Light as they look to better their current position of eighth in the Premier League after eight games of the season.

Last weekend the Villans held leaders Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Villa Park but it is away from home where Gerard Houllier’s men have struggled, with three defeats on the road already.

Villa are boosted by the return of striker Emile Heskey (back) and midfielder Marc Albrighton (illness) while centre-half Richard Dunne is also available despite being forced off with a gashed ankle last time out (Heskey 8/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

Houllier is still without forward Gabriel Agbonlahor and full-back Luke Young because of groin and hamstring problems respectively.

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Villa not haunted by Chelsea mauling

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Aston Villa defender Luke Young admits Chelsea (7/1 to win the game) are looking a strong force already this season, but his side will not be running scared after their 7-1 humiliation last time the two teams met.

Back in March, Carlo Ancelotti’s side ran riot at Stamford Bridge and condemned Villa to their heaviest defeat for 24 years.

Young was part of former manager Martin O’Neill’s side that day, but claims that defeat has “no relevance” ahead of the two teams meeting at Villa Park at the weekend.

Gerard Houllier has begun masterminding a revolution at the club since taking charge in September, introducing double training sessions at Villa (19/5 to beat Chelsea, draw 5/2) to improve the players’ fitness and preparing them for a new brand of attacking, passion football he wants them to play.

Results have improved since he took over, despite their loss to Spurs last time out, and they sit in eighth in the table – though are a distant eight points behind Chelsea (8/13 to win Premier League title) after only seven games.

The west London outfit have been impressive going forward so far this season, and already have a mammoth plus-21 goal difference already.

Despite this, veteran defender Young claims there is “nothing to be daunted about” for Villa.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “They’ve been scoring bundles of goals.

“They’re always a good side and one we’ve got to be at our best against.

“But if we put in a performance like the one we did at Spurs we won’t be far short of picking up some points. You know whenever you play any of the top sides it’s going to be a tough game.

“We’re at home and hopefully we can build upon the results we have had at home so far.”

Chelsea go into the game sweating over the fitness of their captain John Terry after he sustained a back problem that forced him out of England duty in midweek.

He is doubtful for the clash and with Alex and Jeffrey Bruma already out injured, Ancelotti may have to call on Paulo Ferreira or Jose Bosingwa – the latter has not played since sustaining a terrible knee against Villa 12 months ago.

It is expected that Frank Lampard (7/1 to be first goalscorer) will return to the first team after being out with a hernia problem since the end of August as Chelsea look to preserve their four-point lead over Manchester City (15/2 to win title) at the top of the Premier League table.

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Barcelona’s Villa eyes Gijon goals

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Barcelona (1/7 in Match – 90 Mins betting) striker David Villa says he is not concerned about failing to convert any chances against Atletico Madrid as he prepares to face his old club Sporting Gijon (16/1) at the Nou Camp tonight.

Although the Spanish international striker (7/4 First or Last Goalscorer, 2/5 Anytime) has faced the Rojiblancos before while he was at Valencia, this will be his first match against Sporting in the colours of the Blaugrana.

The World Cup winner spent four years at El Molinon, initially with the ‘B’ team before making the grade, and his career has since taken him through Real Zaragoza and Valencia – who received 40 million euros from Barcelona this summer.

Villa told El Guaje: “Of course it will be a special game. I had to face Sporting with Valencia in the past, and that is great news for me, because that means that Sporting are in the first division.

“I wish them all the best – but after the match against Barcelona!

“People know how I feel about Sporting. I grew up playing there, but it is clear that I will give everything for my current club to help them win the game.”

There are rumours in Spain that Sporting will rest several key players at the Nou Camp and accept their fate against a Barcelona side without Lionel Messi through injury.

The Argentina star hurt ankle ligaments in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Atletico in Madrid, so Villa and the rest of the senior stars will be expected to step up in his absence.

The Barca striker was unable to add to his three goals for the club at the Vicente Calderon when he found Atletico keeper David de Gea in top form.

He said: “What is important is that the team wins, but it is true that I was a bit annoyed at not scoring.

“The coach told me he was happy with me and goals will eventually come, and I think exactly the same way.”

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Houllier silent on Villa job talk

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Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is staying tight-lipped over a possible return to Premier League management with Aston Villa (9/1 – top four finish).

The Frenchman is reportedly in line to take over at Villa Park and is thought to be on owner Randy Lerner’s shortlist to replace Martin O’Neill, who unexpectedly quit just before the start of the Premier League season.

There are suggestions the former Lyon boss could come in as director of football in a move that would see current caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald remain in charge of first-team affairs.

Houllier, who left Anfield in 2004 following six seasons in charge of the Reds, was back at Liverpool on Saturday for Jamie Carragher’s testimonial but he refused to be drawn on the speculation linking him with Villa.

When asked about his future, the current technical director for the French Football Federation said: “Never and always are two words you can’t use in football.”

Alan Curbishley is also said to be in the frame for the job while the likes of former England and Man City chief Sven Goran Eriksson, Everton boss David Moyes and even Birmingham manager Alex McLeish have all been linked with the post.

Villa (50/1 to be relegated this season) are next in action when they take on Stoke a week on Monday.

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Curbs emerges as top Villa candidate

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Former Aston Villa player Alan Curbishley appears to be in the frame for the vacant manager’s job amid reports he is to be interviewed for the post (Villa 9/1 – top four finish).

Villa are taking their time to name a replacement for Martin O’Neill, who left Villa Park a week before the season got underway, but former West Ham and Charlton boss Curbishley has emerged as a frontrunner.

The 52-year-old has not had a managerial job since leaving Upton Park two years ago, but has been linked with several roles since and could well be very tempted by the Villa post.

Curbs, who joined Villa as a player from Birmingham in 1983 and went on to make 36 appearances for the club, is set to be among up to five men interviewed by the Villa board for the job this week.

Current caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, who declared his interest in the permanent job earlier this week, is also expected to be considered for the post while the likes of former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, ex-Liverpool chief Gerard Houllier and former Dutch international Ronald Koeman are also in the frame.

Villa (2/1 – top six finish) have said they ideally want to appoint someone with previous experience of managing in the Premier League, so that would give Curbishley, Houllier and Eriksson a distinct advantage although MacDonald is highly thought-of by the board and is a well-respected coach in his own right.

He also appears to have the backing of several first-team players despite the fact his side were humiliated 6-0 at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago and were then dumped out of the Europa League by Rapid Vienna last Thursday.

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