West Bromwich Albion Vs. Aston Villa: Villa 1-0 Up At Halftime

Aston Villa lead West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the interval thanks to a highly amusing own goal from Abdoulaye Meite, who in the fourth mintue somehow managed to turn an outside of the boot clearance into a delicate little flick past Scott Carson. Since then, it's been a fairly open match, with both sides having some good chances to score. Carlos Vela's had the best opportunities to get the hosts back on level terms, chipping over Brad Friedel (but, alas, the goal as well) when through one on one and then seeing a 22-yard free kick meet a similar fate on the verge of halftime. Friedel's only had one save to make, but it was a very nice stop from a long-range Youssuf Mulumbu thunderbolt.

Villa have had a few chances of their own and finished the half very nicely indeed, but haven't really tested Carson since the very early stages. Still, they're one course for three points against their local rivals, so there'll be no complaints from Gary McAllister's men. Perhaps the only worry, as far as Villa are concerned, is the fact that James Collins has pulled up limping at least twice during the first 45 minutes, although the defender is insisting he's ok to continue.