Swindon Town have already knocked out Stoke City in this season’s Capital One Cup and will fancy their chances of another Premier League scalp on Tuesday.
The Robins entertain Aston Villa at the County Ground in Wiltshire and I don’t imagine Paul Lambert’s side are fancying the trip one bit.
Villa triumphed at Eastlands, remarkably, to reach the last 16 but their overall form under the Scot this term has been wretched and it is now no wins in 13 top flight matches on the road.
Lambert knew his task in the Midlands was a sizeable one but I’ve seen no sign of progress from Villa this season, they narrowly escaped the drop in May, and another relegation battle awaits.
Having scored just five times in the Premier League away from Villa Park since their last road win, a 3-2 win at Wolves in January, home boss Paolo Di Canio will hoping his team can test their opponents’ nerve and a fast start would certainly put the pressure on the visitors.
While Villa were held at home by Norwich on Saturday lunchtime, shortly after Swindon thrashed Stevenage on their own patch, the 4-0 score line apparently flattering second placed Borough, and they couldn’t enter the match in better form.
No side in League One possesses Swindon’s class on their day, it will be a major surprise if they are not promoted, and clearly they relish the big stage, too.
Comfortable wins over Championship sides Brighton and Burnley either side of dispatching Stoke at The Britannia, scoring 10 times in three matches, indicate Swindon are more than capable of holding their own at a higher level and Villa are there for the taking.
It is just three home defeats at the Country Ground since last September, all narrowly by 1-0, and Villa are short enough to make that four inside 90 minutes at around the 2.30 mark.
2pts Lay Aston Villa (vs. Swindon) @ 2.30 (Betfair)