Tim Howard has suggested that Leeds United's 'energy' and ability to press could provide them with a 'slight advantage' over Aston Villa.
Leeds travel to Villa Park to face Unai Emery's side under the lights on Friday evening, and will be looking to end a run of four league games without a win across all competitions.
Their winless run extends to six games across all competitions, and they sit two points above the relegation zone prior to their trip to the West Midlands.
Former Everton goalkeeper Howard admits Leeds will need to be 'checking their shoulder' amid the threat of relegation, but expects their high-energy, and pressing style to pose problems for Villa.
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"Leeds certainly have to keep checking their shoulder because they are within touching distance of the relegation zone. Winless in their last six in all competitions which is not where you want to be," Howard told NBC Sports.
"Certainly Jesse Marsch will be drilling his team on the training ground. He does that really well but this is a game that they will look at and think they have a slight advantage in terms of energy, trying to press.
"I do like what Emery does. You mentioned the 4-4-2, it ends up looking like a 4-2-2-2. It's hard for players to adapt to because you are basically telling your wide players, who are taught their entire career to stay wide and get the ball wide.
"Emery likes to bring them in nice and tight so he can create width on the outside. So during that learning process, they are still building and climbing up the table. The fact that their record has been so good under Unai Emery has been a really good sign."
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