On Wednesday, Aston Villa and Leeds United return to action after the international break with a Premier League match in the West Midlands kickoff at 10:45 pm.
Liverpool and Newcastle both won 1-0 in their previous matches. Before the international break, Steven Gerrard’s men defeated Everton at Goodison Park, while the Whites defeated Newcastle United by the same scoreline.
Gerrard had soaked in the atmosphere at Goodison Park two weeks earlier when Everton’s fans made their feelings known toward the former Liverpool captain, which seemed to galvanise Villa’s squad.
Gerrard’s fearless attitude translated into three points on the pitch, with Emiliano Buendia rising highest to head home Lucas Digne’s corner, and he celebrated in front of the Toffees faithful. But projectiles thrown in the direction of Villa players from the crowd marred the joyous occasion.
Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick was the difference as Newcastle United won 2-1 over local rivals Leeds United at St James’ Park in May 2022. Thus, condemning Marcelo Bielsa’s side to their ninth defeat of the season when they had just recorded back-to-back wins over Burnley and West Ham United.
Leeds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Villa Park in this fixture last season, but Dean Smith’s Lions responded with a 1-0 victory at Elland Road in February 2021, thanks to Anwar El Ghazi’s strike. That game was postponed due to COVID-19.
Aston Villa vs Leeds United Head to Head
Both sides have 8 games against each other, with hosts taking 2 wins while visitors with 3 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Everton 0-1 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 2-2 Man United
- Man United 1-0 Aston Villa
- Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
Away
- Leeds 0-1 Newcastle
- West Ham 2-3 Leeds United
- West Ham 2-0 Leeds
- Leeds 3-1 Burnley
- Leeds 1-4 Arsenal
Aston Villa Team News
From the Africa Cup of Nations this month, Villa will welcome back three of their top players, namely Trezeguet, Bertrand Traore and Leon Bailey (and Marvelous Nakamba). Still, Chambers joined Villa on a short-term loan from Arsenal.
Leeds United Team News
Adam Forshaw, Charlie Cresswell and Jamie Shackleton were all dealing with various issues before the international break but should be back in contention for this weekend’s game.
Prediction and Odds
Villa has been busy boosting their squad while Leeds’ medical staff welcome new faces into the treatment room.
- Aston Villa Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
