England Premier League
Friday 23rd October 2020
Kick off at 8pm BST
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
The first Friday night game of the season will see Aston Villa take on Leeds United in what should be a very interesting match.
Aston Villa are the only side in the Premier League to have a 100% record, who would have guessed that at the back end of last season when Dean Smith’s side were hanging on for Premier League survival? Though it should be noted that Villa have played one game less than most other clubs and have 12 points from their four games played so far.
Villa come into this game in 2nd place and would go top of the league with a win until at least Saturday. The club have scored 12 goals - seven of which incredibly came against Liverpool and they have conceded just two, both of those coming from Liverpool.
Dean Smith’s side were heading for a 0-0 result against Leicester when Ross Barkley popped up in the final minute to grab all three points for the club in another memorable win and it has simply been an incredible start for them, can they keep it up and for how long are the questions on everyone’s lips.
Leeds come into this game in 10th place and after having a bright start have gone their last two matches without a win. This started with a draw against Manchester City which was a superb point of course and then defeat at home against Wolves. This was Leeds’ first taste of defeat at home and their first defeat since losing against Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.
Despite Villa’s start if Leeds were to win this game they would be within 2 points of their hosts, although of course Villa would still have the game in hand.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Keinan Davis has picked up a calf injury although it isn’t thought to be serious and he has a good chance of making this game he is the only new concern for the club.
Leeds: Kalvin Phillips has a shoulder injury and will miss up to six weeks. Liam Cooper is fighting to be ready after a flare up with his groin and could be assessed.
Aston Villa vs Leeds Head to Head:
The teams last played here in the Championship in 2018 when Leeds won 3-2.
3 of their last 5 meetings has ended in a draw.
5 of their last six meetings has seen under 2.5 goals.
Aston Villa vs Leeds Prediction:
These two clubs are very equal, although Aston Villa will want to draw on their Premier League experience from last season.
It is clear that Leeds are going to go for games with the objective of reaching a good number of points before the season becomes very difficult for them so even if they do face a decline they will feel safe. That is the plan. The question is how long can Villa maintain their start to the season? Given that this is a home game we think they can get all three points. Confidence is obviously very high and there is a good belief that they can beat anyone. Their last home game of course ended in a 7-2 win over Liverpool, but Villa would be happy with a 1-0 victory here.
Leeds have slipped up lately, you could argue, but then again Manchester City and Wolves are formiddable opponents. We expect an end to end game but with Villa just about coming out on top.
Aston Villa vs Leeds Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (0.0 Aston Villa) at 1.625
Anytime goalscorer: Ollie Watkins at 2.25
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