Leeds United travel to the West Midlands on Friday evening, taking on Aston Villa away from home in this Premier League encounter (8pm kick-off).
After a tough start to the campaign, Villa have picked up in recent matches and have suffered defeat just once in their last five league games. Unai Emery is now the head coach, after replacing Steven Gerrard at Villa Park.
Since the return to action from the international break, the Whites have drawn two and lost one, from three tough fixtures in the league. They will now be hoping to return to winning ways on Friday evening and secure just their second win away from home of the campaign.
Each side were also in Emirates FA Cup action last time out. A late Sonny Perkins equaliser away at Cardiff for Jesse March’s side means the teams will replay next week. Aston Villa lost at home against League Two side, Stevenage.
The sides have already met this season. A goalless draw at Elland Road in early October was one that the Whites had to battle for, after playing almost the entire second half with 10 players following Luis Sinisterra’s dismissal.
Heading into this one, the stats can be made to favour either side. Villa are unbeaten in their last four outings against United having won two and drawn two. However, Leeds have lost just once at Villa Park in their last six meetings, which is a run stretching back to 2004.
Friday’s hosts have scored 20 goals in their 18 matches up to now. Their leading Premier League scorer is Danny Ings, who has six. For Leeds, they have netted 25 times in 17 games, with Spanish international Rodrigo leading the charts with 10 to his name.
Both teams have made reinforcements in their defensive areas in the early stages of January, meaning Premie rLeague debuts could be given to Max Wober for Leeds, along with Alex Moreno for Villa.
The match has been selected for live television coverage within the UK on Sky Sports. Alternatively, you can stay right here on leedsunited.com to follow live updates throughout the 90 minutes, or listen to uninterrupted commentary on LUTV!
Manager/head coach:
Villa: Unai Emery
Leeds: Jesse Marsch
What has Jesse Marsch said, ahead of the match?
"I know Unai Emery from playing against Villarreal with Salzburg in the Europa League. His team was very disciplined and defensively sound, but also dangerous in counter attacking situations, they had a lot of good players and he has a lot of good players again.”
Head to head:
Villa: 41
Draws: 32
Leeds: 32
League position:
Villa: 11th
Leeds: 14th
Premier League top scorer:
Villa: Danny Ings (6)
Leeds: Rodrigo (10)
Team news:
Jesse Marsch has confirmed that Crysencio Summerville will be missing when the team travel to Villa Park, after picking up an ankle injury. However, Patrick Bamford will be back in the squad after recovering well and training recently. Luis Sinisterra and Stuart Dallas both remain out.
The home side will be without captain John McGinn on Friday night, along with experienced central defender Diego Carlos. Leander Dendoncker is suspended for the match, whilst Matty Cash and Ludwig Augustinsson are both doubts after getting knocks in the recent FA Cup match loss.
Officials:
Referee - Michael Oliver
Assistant Referee - Stuart Burt
Assistant Referee - Simon Bennett
Fourth Official - Jarred Gillett
Video Assistant Referee - Andy Madley
How to watch:
The match has been selected for live television coverage within the UK on Sky Sports. Alternatively, you can stay right here on leedsunited.com to follow live updates throughout the 90 minutes, or listen to uninterrupted commentary on LUTV!
