Stoke City are on a crest of a wave after thrashing Bolton Wanderers 5-0 in the semi-finals of the FA Cup last Sunday, a result which rendered everyone speechless. The Potters played superbly throughout and took every chance that fell their way, with William Hill offering odds of 7/2 that they kick on from that triumph to collect three points at Villa Park on Saturday.

Indeed, Tony Pulis will be reminding his team that they are only five points above the relegation zone and things could start to get nervy for the FA Cup finalists if they lose this encounter. Matthew Etherington is 16/1 with Ladbrokes to open the scoring once again, while centre half Robert Huth continues to pose a threat when coming forward – the German is an 18/1 chance (bet365 – £200 in free bets).

Aston Villa will also be brimming with confidence after their 2-1 win at West Ham last Saturday, a result which moved them two points above Stoke in the table. Gerard Houllier will be in hospital for this game, although the bookmakers have the Villans at odds-on to win this game and Victor Chandler are bravest with their quote of 17/20 about the home side.

Darren Bent has continued to be a prolific scorer since making the controversial move from Sunderland in January and the England striker is an attractive price (7/2 Ladbrokes – £30 free betting) to not only score the first goal of the game but also find the net at 11/10 (Coral – £25 free bet).

After all, Stoke’s away record is relatively poor, with City having lost 12 of their 16 matches on the road and this could be a match where Villa take control from an early stage. They can be backed at 15/8 with Ladbrokes to lead at half-time and full-time.