Leeds United Vs Aston Villa Match Preview
Villa are back on our travels this Sunday afternoon making the trip north to face Leeds United at Elland Road.
Contributed by Korben O’Brien | Join The Team
LAST TIME OUT
Villa wrote themselves into the record books with an incredible 10th consecutive league victory (1-0 Millwall) to provide an Easter to rememberÂ
Jonathan Kodjia, deputising for the injured Tammy Abraham, scored the only goal to clinch three more important championship points, although Dean Smith’s side could have really won the match comfortably.
For the second successive home game, Villa were frustrated by an outstanding goalkeeping display as Millwall’s David Martin produced a string of superb saves.
When the breakthrough arrived on the half- hour mark, it was a goal of classic simplicity, Kodjia converting at the near post following Jack Grealish’s fine pass and El Ghazi’s low cross from the left.
Top Class – 10/10
So now its official: Villa’s class of 2019 boast the best winning league sequence in the clubs 145 year history after making it 10 out of 10 since the first weekend of March .
Dean Smith’s men had already equalled a record which had stood since 1910, and a vital victory over Millwall ensure that they went one better.
Can Villa extend this to a remarkable eleven straight wins over Leeds United?
Press Conference
On securing a play off place…
Dean Smith said
It was always the target from the outset when i arrived here to finish in the top two if not the top six.
It’s pleasing that we’re in them now and that we still have a chance to get promoted.
On the day to day focus
Smith said:
I’m not thinking about play-offs at the moment , I’ve got to plan for Leeds United on Sunday.
My concentration is on that and the fact we’re two points behind West Bromwich Albion.
We want to finish above them if we can.
Injury update
Axel Tuanzebe is fit to face Leeds, but top scorer Tammy Abraham looks set to miss out.Â
Both missed out in the victory over Milwall.
We face Leeds United at 12 noon on Sunday in our penultimate game of the regular season.
Villa face a Leeds side who have lost their last two championship games and have taken a dip in form.
They will be reeling after countless missed opportunities to seize automatic promotion and look set to watch Sheffield United pip them to second.
PREDICTIONS
Korben’s prediction:
“My prediction is that it is gonna be a very tough game but i think that Villa have too much quality, confidence and momentum flowing through the team and will walk away from Elland Road with all three points.”
Score: Leeds United 1-2 Aston Villa – with Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane scoring for Villa
VillaUnderground.com prediction:
“Whilst we have been on a fantastic run, there’s no overlooking that a visit to Leeds represents a genuine challenge. Whilst Smith is eager to extend the run and catch West Brom, one can’t help but feel that one eye on the playoffs generally is as important. However, Smith has been single minded in his approach since taking over, so expect us to give our hosts a game.”
Score: Leeds 2-2 Aston Villa – with goals from Jonathan Kodjia & Anwar El Ghazi for Villa.
Key Facts
- Aston Villa form – WWWWWWWWWWD
- Leeds United Form – LLWWLWLWWW
- Villa haven’t won in our last few visits to Elland Road – losing two of the last five
- Villa have actually recorded 11 consecutive wins in the past, but that sequence was spread over two seasons.
- Leeds trail Sheffield United by 6 points with a poorer goal difference.
- Kemar Roofe misses out with a hip injury for Leeds.
- Tricky winger Alioski also sits out with injury for the hosts.
- Kortney Hause, impressing on loan from Wolves definitely won’t feature.
- Tammy Abraham’s remains out with a shoulder injury.
- Albion are just 2 points behind Leeds & threaten pipping them to 3rd.
- Villa are currently the leading in form side; in all world divisions.