The conclusion of the international break means Premier League football is back, and Aston Villa have been gearing up ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leeds United. Here’s this week’s match preview…
THE BUILD UP
Heading into the game at Elland Road, Aston Villa find themselves in an improved 15th place following a draw with Manchester City and victory over Southampton. The Villans do find themselves in an injury rut however, with many important players out of action.
Leeds, on the other hand, are in 11th place but have failed to win in their last three fixtures. The West-Yorkshire club endured an impressive start to the campaign with wins over Wolves and Chelsea. Jesse Marsch’s side have hit a bump recently however, and are on the back of a 5-2 defeat away to Brentford.
The pressures that Steven Gerrard found himself under a few games ago has alleviated somewhat, but the former Rangers boss enters a critical period in his managerial career. Sunday’s game kicks off the final run of games before the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and the 42 year-old will hope his club is in a better position when the tournament begins.
Leeds United versus Aston Villa is traditionally a feisty affair, and this weekend’s contest is set to be no different. Both sides will look to gain all three points and fly up the table. Last year’s fixture saw Villa emerge as 3-0 winners – can they do it again?
A BIT ON LEEDS
As mentioned, Leeds United have struggled in recent weeks, but the international period provided Marsch and his squad with an opportunity to assess and resolve. Patrick Bamford is reportedly fit and set to start Sunday’s game. The striker has yet to find the back of the net this season, but has a decent record against this week’s opponents; following a hat-trick at Villa Park a couple of years ago.
Despite poor form, The Whites have played some nice football this term. The most notable performance came against Chelsea in August where Marsch’s men tore The Blues apart, putting three past them on the day.
Considering the departure of star duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in the summer, Leeds find themselves in a healthy position. Finishing last season just above the relegation zone worried many fans, but they have recruited well and brought in a wealth of talent.
Stand-out players include Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra, but a case can be made for any of the eight new arrivals. Jesse Marsch has installed a more balanced system than his predecessor (Marcelo Bielsa) and there are clear signs of an effective playing style. The former RB Leipzig boss will hope his team can deliver once again this weekend in-front of a packed Elland Road.
THE GAFFER’S THOUGHTS
Steven Gerrard spoke to the media on Friday afternoon to discuss Sunday’s big game and any other hot topics at the club.
One journalist asked the former Liverpool captain for his thoughts on this week’s opposition, to which he replied: βWe know the challenge is big, but itβs exciting and weβll be ready. βItβs going to be a tough game, but weβre in a good place, we want to go there and be really tough to beat.β
When asked about the injury issues, Gerrard said: βItβs not ideal, weβve had better days on the injury front. βWe have tried to build a squad to be prepared for these situations.β. Villa have up to five first-team players unavailable for the trip to Yorskhire this week, including French internationals Boubacar Kamara and Lucas Digne.
Douglas Luiz’s situation at the club remains doubtful and Gerrard was asked for his feelings on the Brazilian midfielder, he said: βHeβs very focused and heβs a fantastic talent. βHeβs performed very well and heβs ready to go at the weekend.β
Despite the numerous challenges around the club, the Head Coach remains positive and mentioned that: βWe took four points from six against Manchester City and Southampton, our form has improved in certain parts of our play. βWe have a lot of games from now until the World Cup and a lot of opportunities to pick up points.β
TEAM NEWS AND PREDICTED LINE-UP
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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