Soccer Premier League

5 Bold Predictions For Aston Villa vs. Stoke City In EPL Week 26

5 Predictions For Aston Villa vs. Stoke City

Aston Villa Stoke City
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Tuesday was Aston Villa's first training session under Tim Sherwood. Ashley Westwood called it "electric", and that is how the rest of the season will have to be for them to avoid relegation. Sherwood's first opponent as new boss will be Stoke City. Stoke, which comes in off of a pair of 4-1 losses, will look to extend Villa's 10-game Premier League winless streak.

5. Carles Gil Scores

Carles Gil
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5. Carles Gil Scores

Carles Gil2
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Gil has been Villa's most creative player since coming over from Valencia last month. A team that has lacked goals needed a player like Gil who can threaten the back line of opponents. His preferred left foot has already tallied for Villa and will threaten again this weekend.

4. Shay Given Starts

Shay Given
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4. Shay Given Starts

Shay Given2
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Given hopes that Sherwood's hiring allows him to take back the starting job at keeper from Brad Guzan. Given started the FA Cup match earlier in the week and was named man of the match while Sherwood looked on from the crowd. The keeper may be given one more chance this weekend as a reward for his performance, but Guzan's job looks safe in the long run.

3. Stephen Ireland Scores

Stephen Ireland
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3. Stephen Ireland Scores

Stephen Ireland2
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Neither of these teams are great defensively, so expect a few goals. This match will be physical, and Ireland is the type of player who can take a beating and may even invite it. Ireland is currently expected to return from a hamstring injury for this game. Stoke boss Mark Hughes has recently called Ireland a game changer and will be happy to have him back.

2. At Least Four Yellows

Villa v Stoke Yellow Cards2
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2. At Least Four Yellows

Villa v Stoke Yellow Cards
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The last time these teams met at Villa Park, six yellow cards were handed out in a match with 26 fouls. There have been 20 yellow cards given over the last five matches, with Villa receiving 14 of those. Referee Roger East has given out 31 yellow cards in nine matches this season.

1. The Game Ends In A Draw

Villa v sStoke Feb 2015
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1. The Game Ends In A Draw

Villa v sStoke Feb 20152
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Sherwood's first game in charge will get Villa a point but not the three that they desperately need. That could be enough to move one point clear of the relegation zone. These teams have averaged 2.6 goals per game over the last five contests, but injuries and form could open the match up even more. A 2-2 draw seems a likely finish.

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