England Premier League
Wednesday 9th February 2022
Kick off at 8pm GMT
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
After being knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup, Aston Villa have had the luxury of a two week break coming into this game and will be ready to go. The club are unbeaten in their last two games after a draw with Manchester United and victory over Everton.
Villa are in 11th place with 26 points and while European football does not look achievable this season they will be aiming to finish in the top half of the league. Villa have certainly overall improved under Steven Gerrard’s guide and have been solid at home. There have been defeats, two in their last four games here but we have to remember those came against Manchester City and Chelsea. The club would move into 10th place with a win here and would stay there if Leicester lose their midweek game against Liverpool.
Leeds like their opponents had no FA Cup game given that they were knocked out in the previous round against West Ham. With 9 defeats already this season Leeds are feeling how tough it is to be participating in the top flight after an impressive return last season. The club are in 15th place and are seven points from the drop, and they are clearly not out of the woods given their form so far. Leeds have lost 3 of their last five games and their last league match before the break finished in a 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle.
Away from home Marcelo Bielsa’s side have won just 20% of their games although their last away game did end in an exciting 3-2 victory over West Ham who days before had knocked them out of the FA Cup.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Leon Bailey and Marvelous Nakamba are both out until at least next month and possibly longer with long term injuries. Bertrand Traore may play some game time after returning from international duty, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
Leeds: Patrick Bamford is ruled out with a foot injury. Liam Cooper is still about another month away to a return. Junior Firpo could be assessed but is more likely to return for the next game. Sam Greenwood is out with a knee injury. Kalvin Phillips is out for another month, Raphinha will be assessed after reporting back with a knock.
Aston Villa vs Leeds Head to Head:
Last season Leeds won this game 3-0.
There is an 80% chance to see under 2.5 goals.
Leeds have won the last two meetings to be played at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa vs Leeds Prediction:
At times Aston Villa were brilliant under former manager Dean Smith but there was also naivety in their play. Maybe in hindsight we will see this with Gerrard’s team but for now unless they are playing the top six teams Villa have looked pretty solid and reliable. Phillipe Coutinho has breathed life into the club and looks very happy to be back in England and that can be infectious in the dressing room.
Leeds just look disjointed but their biggest problem has been their injury list- it has always been a long one this season and that can catch up with you especially towards the end of the season. Villa being at home will fancy their chances here and they are a very good price to win, take on Coutinho too who will fancy his chances against a fairly weak defence.
Aston Villa vs Leeds Betting Tips:
Aston Villa to beat Leeds at 1.80
Anytime goalscorer: Phillipe Coutinho at 2.75
Correct Score: Aston Villa to win 1-0 or 2-0 at 8.00 and 9.00
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