Premier League: Leeds Looking to Bring the Fight Against the Visiting Villans

Leeds United vs Aston Villa

Leeds United can’t seem to turn their fortunes around just yet for 2022. They are now winless in seven straight Premier League fixtures and they’re faced with another tricky test when Aston Villa visit Elland Road this Thursday night.

Because of their poor Premier League 2022 results lately, the Whites have been in a bad position since they’re within arm’s reach at the drop zone, placing 16^th with 23 points.

Meanwhile, their visitors in Aston Villa have hit their stride lately. With two wins on the bounce, Steven Gerrard’s men have moved up to 11^th place. However, they’ll be looking for more in order to get in to the top half of the table.

Despite their contrasting recent forms, football fans can expect another competitive tiff between these two sides as indicated by the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds.

Continue to read on below and learn more as we bring to you today’s match preview.

Talking Points

Jesse Marsch finding the winning formula for Leeds United

Jesse Marsch’s coaching debut at Leeds was wrecked by Leicester City. The Whites were seemingly on their way to snap their losing skid or at least get a point, but Harvey Barnes’ dagger at the 67^th-minute has piled on to their misery.

Leeds United slightly altered their playstyle for the first time under the post-Marcelo Bielsa era as they were generally compact in defence. And instead of being gung-ho up front, they looked more methodical yet opportunistic when given the chance.

Top scorer Raphinha was the closest to threaten Leicester City, but to no avail with no thanks to Kasper Schmeichel’s heroics in the second half. In the end, they were left to rue on their missed opportunities.

They did lose their seventh straight game, but there’s a reason for them to feel a bit optimistic ahead of Thursday.

Patrick Bamford was seen on the Whites’ bench for the first time in a long while and he was raring to go. When asked about his status ahead of the Villa match, Jesse Marsch revealed that Bamford is back training with the squad, but they won’t rush him back.

The injury bug can’t seem to leave Leeds alone, though, as Tyler Roberts is being ruled out for the remainder of this season. The Wales striker ruptured his hamstring tendon during their recent loss against Leicester City.

Aston Villa scoring goals for fun

Since their 3-3 draw against Leeds last February, the Villans have had mixed results. They lost back-to-back 1-0 games against Newcastle and Watford, but now they’re on a two-game winning streak against Brighton and Southampton.

Steven Gerrard’s side has regained their shooting boots as they’ve scored six goals in those last two games. At the same time, they’ve also held their own defencively with consecutive clean sheets.

Top scorer Ollie Watkins has increased his total to seven goals and one assist this season, while Danny Ings, Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho, and Douglas Luiz have all found the back of the net too in these last two weeks.

Villa are currently on a four-way tie at points alongside Brighton, Leicester City, and Crystal Palace, so a victory here should propel them to the upper half of the table.

History

Leeds United have had a rough time against Aston Villa here in the Premier League since they have won in just one of their last nine home league games (L3, D5).

The Whites have lost three straight league games at Elland Road. Should they lose again on Thursday, they’ll match their worst home stretch since 2015 – last losing four in a row at the Championship.

Their reverse fixture took place in February where both sides settled for a 3-3 draw. Daniel James had a brace and Diego Llorente scored for Leeds, while Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey (2) led the way for Aston Villa.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2022 odds predict another close match between these two sides. Aston Villa have the slight advantage to win at 2.56, while Leeds United are installed at 2.76 and a Draw is at 3.15 in the 1X2 market.

On paper, the Villans are expected to win given their better form. However, the Whites shouldn’t be counted out easily, although they’re still a work in progress under their new head coach Jesse Marsch.

Other than rooting for Aston Villa to win, going for Over 2.50 @ 1.70 sounds like the most sensible bet especially with what happened in their reverse fixture not too long ago.

 

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