Midlands rivals Aston Villa and Leicester meet at Villa Park as both teams look to bounce back from difficult ends to 2024. Here's our detailed preview of the matchup.
Aston Villa Recent Form
Aston Villa have been resilient at home, losing only once at Villa Park in the league this season.
However, their most recent outing ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Brighton, a match where they created several opportunities but failed to capitalise.
Injury and Team News
Villa will be without striker Jhon Duran and winger Morgan Rogers, who are both suspended. Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line, with Jacob Ramsey also likely to start.
Matty Cash is back from suspension, while Pau Torres is out due to an injury sustained in the Brighton game. Tyrone Mings could make only his second start of the season.
Last Villa Lineup
Here is how Aston Villa lined up for their last match:
Leicester Recent Form
Leicester come into this match on a poor run, with four consecutive losses, including a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. They’ve struggled defensively, conceding the joint-most goals in the league this season.
Injury and Team News
Leicester will see the return of forward Jordan Ayew from suspension, but key players like Wilfred Ndidi, Kasey McAteer, Ricardo Pereira, and Abdul Fatawu remain sidelined.
Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is doubtful, while Wout Faes could return after a knock.
Last Leicester Lineup
Here is how Leicester lined up for their last match:
Aston Villa vs Leicester - Referee and VAR
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Darren Cann, Richard West.
Fourth official: Josh Smith.
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes.
Aston Villa Player to Watch
Ollie Watkins will be key for Villa. With Duran suspended, Watkins will lead the attack and look to exploit Leicester’s defensive frailties.
Leicester Player to Watch
Harry Winks remains a pivotal player for Leicester, offering creativity and a goal threat from midfield, especially against a Villa side vulnerable to counterattacks.
Prediction
Aston Villa’s strong home form and Leicester’s defensive struggles make Villa the favourites. While Leicester have the capability to score, Villa’s attacking depth should see them secure a victory.
Our Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Leicester
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Villa to Win & Both Teams to Score
Villa’s attacking form and Leicester’s knack for scoring make this a promising bet.
Tip 2: Ollie Watkins Anytime Goalscorer
Watkins will lead Villa’s attack and has been clinical at Villa Park this season.
Tip 3: Over 2.5 Goals
Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, and this fixture promises plenty of goals.
