Leeds United will be looking to pick up their first win since November this evening with a win against Aston Villa at Villa Park. A positive result would see Leeds keep the relegation zone at arm’s length as we approach the half-way stage of the season.
If Leeds were to fall short, though, they could find themselves in the bottom three by the end of the weekend. Ahead of another crucial Premier League encounter, we caught up with Birmingham Live’s Ashley Preece to discuss all things Villa.
From the outside looking in, it seems Villa have turned a corner since the arrival of Unai Emery, what’s changed since his appointment?
Ten points from a possible 15 against Man Utd, Brighton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Wolves tells you everything about the big turnaround since Emery came in. We’re talking about an elite-level manager here, a four-time Europa League winner who’s managed the best players in the world.
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Supporters really believe in what Emery’s doing. He’s got his own way of playing, a 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 which has worked wonders against sides above Villa in the table. John McGinn has been morphed into a right-winger while Leon Bailey, a natural winger, has been playing up front with Ollie Watkins.
There’s been a lot of positive change but, in Villa’s last two games, Emery hasn’t been happy. The players were booed off at half-time against Wolves given that inept 45 minutes while, last weekend, Villa were the laughing stock of English football after being dumped out of the third round to Stevenage. So there’s been two bumps in the road of late and Villa are desperate to get their season back on track with a much-needed win on Friday night.
What’s the mood like at Villa Park at present?
As mentioned, not the best. It was shambolic to lose in the manner in which they did last week to their League Two opponents. It was a half-soaked performance which left supporters - and Emery - furious knowing it was a competition Villa wanted to have a real crack at.
Villa haven’t won at home in ten weeks since Emery’s first game so it’s fair to say that the supporters are craving a good performance. I do fear if Villa do go in at the break behind on Friday that there could be boos. It all depends on the shift they’re putting in.
How will Villa line-up and who should Leeds be looking out for?
It’ll be Emery’s 4-4-2 so Emi Martinez in goal. I suspect it’ll be Ashley Young over Matty Cash (groin) at right-back. Leeds’ fan favourite Tyrone Mings will partner Ezri Konsa at centre-back and Lucas Digne will be at left-back.
Villa have signed £12.9m left-sider Alex Moreno from Real Betis but it’s unsure if he’ll get clearance in time to play. Moving into midfield and Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara will start. McGinn (hamstring) is expected to be injured so, on the flanks, Jacob Ramsey and perhaps Emi Buendia will get the nod.
Watkins will partner Bailey or Danny Ings up front. I suspect it will be the latter. Danger man: Ramsey’s back fit now and Leeds know all about him given last season’s crazy 3-3 draw.
How do you think Leeds can cause Villa problems?
That trio of Aaronson, Gnonto and Summerville, there’s plenty of energy and real quality there plus Rodrigo’s banging them in of late so Leeds have got plenty in attack - even without Villa’s nemesis Patrick Bamford.
How do you see the game going?
Let’s go crazy because Leeds are never in a dull game and there’s never a dull one between Villa and Leeds. 2-2.
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