Leeds United are back in Premier League action following the recent international break, as they travel to the West Midlands to take on Aston Villa (8pm).
Wednesday’s encounter is being shown live on BT Sport, with the occasion marking the 4,000th league game for Leeds United since they joined the Football League in 1920.
Both teams go into the match on the back of the same scores in their last match, Leeds losing 1-0 at home to Newcastle United whilst Villa recorded a 1-0 success away at Everton.
In a match where goals are usually expected between two attack-minded teams, Wednesday’s hosts haven’t failed to score on home turf this season. Steven Gerrard’s outfit have only won four out of their 10 home matches in the 2021/22 campaign, however.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have found the net in seven out of their 10 away matches this season, including five goals in their last three on the road. From 10 matches on their travels, Leeds have tasted defeat in five, with two wins and three draws making up the other matches.
The last two times this fixture has been played, Leeds have come away with three points and scored three times in the process. Patrick Bamford’s superb hat-trick last season came after a memorable 3-2 win in 2018, with Leeds two goals down at half-time.
The two teams haven’t met yet this season, with the home game scheduled over Christmas having to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last season, both fixtures against one another were won by the away side, with the home team failing to score.
Still leading the way in terms of goalscoring for Bielsa’s side is Raphinha. The Brazilian - who enjoyed another productive international break - has eight goals to his name so far. For Villa, goals have been spread around the team, but Ollie Watkins is topping the charts with five up to now.
As always, in what is a hard fought and well contested division, points will see both teams able to move up positions. For the Whites, a three-point success could see them go as high as 12th. For Villa, the top half awaits if they can secure three points as they would go above Leicester into 10th.
The match is being shown live on BT Sport for those unable to attend, whilst there is also full commentary on LUTV as always. Fans can also keep an eye out right here on leedsunited.com with our online blog bringing you all the action throughout the match.
Manager/head coach:
Villa: Steven Gerrard
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
What Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the match?
“In Scotland, he [Gerrard] had a brilliant step. What he has managed this far at Aston Villa is good because he has put his stamp on the team very quickly.”
League position
Villa: 11th
Leeds: 15th
Premier League form
Villa: WLLDW
Leeds: LLWWL
Top scorer
Villa: Ollie Watkins (5)
Leeds: Raphinha (8)
Head to head
Villa: 40
Draws: 30
Leeds: 32
A memorable moment against Aston Villa…
Team news
Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that a number of players have now returned to training for his side. The remaining four players out injured are Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo.
For Villa, Bertrande Traore has been on African Cup of Nations duty so is likely to miss Wednesday’s match. Leon Bailey and Marvelous Nakamba are both still injured, whilst new signing Calum Chambers is available for selection.
Officials
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistants: Stuart Burt & Wade Smith
Fourth official: Peter Bankes
VAR: Michael Oliver
Assistant VAR: Derek Eaton
A key battle
Matty Cash vs Luke Ayling
Take a look at some key stats between two full-backs who give their all for both of their teams, at either end of the pitch!
Latest odds
Villa: 4/5
Draw: 14/5
Leeds: 16/5
How to watch
The clash has been selected for live broadcast, with fans able to watch on BT Sport. Match commentary is available as always on LUTV, with up to date blog coverage on leedsunited.com.
