💎 Gem Bet: Ian Maatsen - Over 0.5 Shots @ 1.80 (Bet365)

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Ian Maatsen has started the last three Premier League matches for Aston Villa, having a shot in two of these games against Chelsea and Manchester United. He’s had to be patient for his opportunity in the squad with Lucas Digne long holding down the left back role, but Maatsen has shown what he can offer the side in his recent cameos.

Unai Emery likes his midfield and forward players to be quite narrow, with the width offered by the fullbacks. Maatsen’s role is likely to carry even more attacking instructions than it usually would here as Matty Cash is suspended for this game. This means that Bogarde is likely to line up at right back, who isn’t as comfortable going forward when compared to Maatsen.

We can expect the majority of Villa’s attacks to come down his side of the pitch, with Morgan Rogers also ahead of him on that flank. Maatsen has had eight shots across his six Premier League starts this season (1.18 per 90) and has had 24 touches in the opposition box (3.55 per 90). These metrics highlight just how much Maatsen relishes getting forward, making him an appealing option to back for a shot here.

Maatsen has had a shot in four of his last five Premier League appearances, and also averaged 1.52 shots per 90 across his 10 starts in the Premier League last season. Unai Emery is set to rely on the former Chelsea fullback here to provide crucial width to Villa’s attack. Maatsen started at left back in this fixture last season, and had a shot on target before being replaced at half time. 

There is decent value when backing this selection with Bet365, the same pick is as low as 1.44 with other comparable bookmakers.